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EGLISE SAINT-PIERRE

Romanesque church, unique in the Vendée with its two bell towers

Address : Place de l'église
LES ESSARTS
85140 ESSARTS EN BOCAGE
FRANCE

Presentation of: EGLISE SAINT-PIERRE

The church of the priory of Saint-Pierre was built in the 12th century. In 1794, only 4 walls remained, as part of the church had been burnt down during the unfortunate Vendée wars. There were several stages in the reconstruction and enlargement of the church. In particular, Abbé Gandouin (1846-1877) raised the nave and added the 3rd nave, and Abbé Grolleau built the façade with its two bell towers and the gallery. The church was inaugurated in 1888. Several buildings and restorations followed this date.
The church is home to a number of treasures, including a solid silver processional cross, stained glass windows in the choir and a Romanesque crypt located under the south aisle of the present-day church.
Opening times
Open all year round
Site theme
Church
Site category
No rating
Architectural style of the site
Romanesque
Free
yes
Visits
Free tours (individuelles): Yes
Free tours (groupes): Yes
Further information
Visible point of interest without tour
©Droits réservés
©Droits réservés

Other: Patrimoine religieux

Abbaye Royale

SAINT-MICHEL-EN-L'HERM

The abbey was founded in 682 AD on a limestone islet. Following the Concordat of 1516, it became a royal abbey.

Eglise abbatiale

SAINT-GILDAS-DES-BOIS

This former Benedictine abbey church is classed amongst the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Brittany.

PRIEURE DE MAYANNE

DANGEUL

Former main priory of St Vincent's Abbey in Le Mans, this private holding later became a Benedictin domain.