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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Our Lady of the Assumption of Marciac, measuring 63 meters long to 27 wide, was probably built in the mid-14th century. Its Gothic architecture is characterized by a rectangular three-spaned plan without transept, dogive vaults with liernes and thirdons, and a bedside composed of three unequal chapels. An octagonal square bell tower, topped by an arrow of 38 meters, dominates the narthex adorned with a polychrome carved portal. Two side buildings, a hexagonal tower to the north and a rectangular sacristy to the south, complete the building.

The history of the church is marked by successive destruction and reconstruction. In 1578-1579, during the Wars of Religion, the Calvinists destroyed the building, destroying the upper part of the nave and burning vaults and frames. The three naves were then covered with a single roof. In the 19th century, major restorations took place: the vaults were restored in 1869 (without the original defence floor), and the arrow, destroyed by lightning in 1865, was rebuilt. The choir and absidial chapels were also reworked at this time.

The importance of the church grew from the 15th century through obituary foundations. A college of priests was established there around 1444-1445, requiring the creation of a sacristy, followed in 1470 by the institution of a chapter of twelve canons. These additions demonstrate his central role in the religious and community life of Marciac. Recent work in 2006 and 2007 involved roofing and arrowing, continuing its maintenance.

Ranked a Historical Monument by decree of 18 October 1910, the church today belongs to the commune of Marciac. Its architecture, combining medieval elements and 19th century restorations, reflects a turbulent history, between destruction and rebirth, while remaining a symbol of the religious heritage of Gascon.

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