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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Caprais de Chartèves, located in the department of Aisne, finds its origins between the 11th and 15th centuries. Its construction spans several periods, explaining the coexistence of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The building adopts a Latin cross shape, with a bell tower culminating at 28 meters. The archives confirm a gradual evolution, marked by additions and transformations until the 15th century.

In 1730, a hurricane accompanied by lightning seriously damaged the bell tower, marking a first destructive episode in its history. However, it was during World War I, during the Battle of the Marne in July 1918, that the church suffered its worst damage. Allied artillery fire, targeting the German-occupied village, destroyed the bell tower, the nave, and broke two of the three bells. Only altars escape destruction. The reconstruction, led by architect Camille Trubcat, extended from 1919 to 1930, leading to its classification as a historical monument in 1920.

Post-war restoration incorporates new elements, such as a South Transept stained glass window offered by US donors. The bells, including Marie-Mathilde (1872) and two others, baptized in 1936 by Bishop Mennechet of Soissons, were resettled. The clock, with a unique dial, was restored in 1931. More recently, in 1985, the western façade rosette was created by master glassmaker Didier Quentin, adding a contemporary touch to this centuries-old heritage.

Today, the church of Saint Caprais bears witness to this turbulent history, mixing medieval remains and modern reconstructions. Although the monumental gate of the cemetery has disappeared, the building preserves traces of each era, from altars spared in 1918 to stained glass and restored elements. Its hybrid architecture and conflict-related past make it a symbol of resilience for the commune of Chartèves.

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