Initial construction XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Building of the original medieval hall church.
1888
Interior decoration
Interior decoration 1888 (≈ 1888)
Paintings and stained glass added by Ferdinand Costes.
11 octobre 1996
Official protection
Official protection 11 octobre 1996 (≈ 1996)
Registration as a Historical Monument by order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church (Cd. A 512): entry by order of 11 October 1996
Key figures
Ferdinand Costes - Soul Curé (1850–1910)
Sponsor of paintings and stained glass in 1888.
Gesta - Glass painter
Author of stained glass windows installed in the church.
Origin and history
The church Our Lady of Soul is a hall church built in the 15th century, typical of medieval religious architecture of the region. Its simple plan and interior volumes reflect the liturgical and community needs of the time, while integrating decorative elements characteristic of rural religious buildings.
During the second half of the 19th century, the building was the subject of a significant decoration campaign. In 1888 Ferdinand Costes, parish priest of Souel from 1850 to 1910, supervised the addition of murals and the installation of stained glass made by the Gesta workshop. These works enriched the interior with a false red double-jointed stone apparatus on the vaults, as well as a possible trompe-l'oeil altarpiece in the choir, possibly dating from the 16th century.
The church was listed as a Historic Monument by order of 11 October 1996, thus recognizing its heritage value. Protected elements include the entire building, as referenced in the cadastre under Parcel A 512. Today, it remains the property of the municipality of Souel and bears witness to the artistic and religious evolution of this Tarnese town over centuries.
