The parish of Saint-Gimer was established in 1840 and when the succursal chapel was built it was felt that a larger building was needed. There were plans for the construction of aisles to the left and right, and to lengthen the building from 18m to 28m.
In 1848 it looked as if the chapel would collapse and in 1852 the commune and the parochial church council abandoned the reconstruction project deciding to build a new church. It was erected on the site of the ancient barbican, the remains of which can be seen behind the church. Eugène Viollet Le Duc drew the plans.
The construction began in 1852. The architect intended building a simple but functional church for 60 000 Francs. Due to the terrain major difficulties were encountered as soon as the foundations works began under the entrepreneur Magné. In 1854 Eugène Viollet-Le Duc, encountering opposition from the town, withdrew from the construction and asked Cals, the diocesan architect and his representative, to take over his plans.
In 1857 the town left the construction management to Monseigneur de la Bouillerie who, helped by the dynamic Abbot Bruel, battled to obtain funds and finish the construction. The church was completed in 1859 under the management of its designer Eugène Viollet Le Duc and was consecrated on 9 June.
The objects from the old church were transferred to the new church.
It looks lovely. I enjoyed the history.
It is quite fascinating.
What an unusual and simply fabulous building.
It is rather unusual nestled there underneath the town walls.
It looks like a Greek church to me.
Did you go inside the church?
I have to confess I didn’t even think of going in until I wrote this post. Then I wished I had.
What a beautiful and impressive building.
It is isn’t it?
I usually think: you see one church, you’ve seen them all…( I won’t explain why but I’m usually right!) Except that this one is definitely just one of a kind. Splendid! Thanks for this photo, Cherie.
This is a bit different from your typical church. I have seen others around, I must go out of my way to photograph them for you.
It is a magnificent old church Cherie and i enjoyed your history about it very much….peter:)
The history of the whole area is very interesting.
I do like church architecture wherever I am. I so love the social history that it can portray. This church is so glorious.
There is lots of interest to be found in churches, I never tire of visiting them.
looks like a fine place. would take a long time going through it
I came away wanting to see more!