Joigny is a commune in the Yonne département in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in north-central France. It is located on the banks of the river Yonne.

History

The current city, originally known as Joviniacum in Latin, was founded during Roman times by Flavius Jovinus prefect of the Roman militia in Gaul in AD 369. During medieval times, it was fortified as a stronghold at the end of the 10th century by Renard I the Old, Count of Sens, on part of the lands of the Sainte-Marie du Charnier de Sens Abbey. The Porte du Bois, a gateway with two massive flanking towers, is a relic of the castle. After passing through several hands, it came into the possession of the family of Villeroi in the 18th century. A fragment of a ladder preserved in the church of St André commemorates the successful resistance offered by the town to the English in 1429.

Population

Some notable people

It was also the home of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, who founded the Roman Catholic Society of the Sacred Heart in 1800.

Churches

<Gallery> Image:Joigny - Eglise Saint-André 4.jpg|Saint Andrew Church, Pietà Image:Joigny - Eglise Saint-Jean - mise au tombeau.jpg|Saint John Church, Deposition of Christ (16th century) Image:Joigny - Eglise Saint-Jean 01.jpg|Saint John Church Image:Joigny - Eglise Saint-Thilbault 09.jpg|Inside of Saint Theobald Church </Gallery>

Twin towns – sister cities

Joigny is twinned with: