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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The former church of Saint-Pierre de Beaulieu-lès-Loches, located in the Indre-et-Loire department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a religious building whose current remains date mainly from the 13th century. Founded according to tradition in 1004, it has undergone several partial reconstructions over the centuries. Today, only a large wall of the nave, the barlong plan choir, and a cylindrical staircase tower that once led to the bell tower remain. These elements, now integrated into a dwelling house, bear witness to the medieval Tourangelle architecture.

The walls keep traces of 15th century murals, especially on the east wall of the nave and in the collaterals. The choir, illuminated by a triplet of broken arched bays, has ripples indicating that it has replaced an older span, now destroyed. A third-point arcade connects the choir to the eastern wall of the nave, highlighting the transition between the different phases of construction.

The building, almost completely destroyed, saw its walls inscribed in the Historic Monuments by order of 14 September 1949. This protection recognizes the heritage value of the remains, despite their fragmentary state. The site offers a rare example of the integration of a medieval monument in a contemporary residential context, while preserving significant architectural elements such as the staircase tower and 15th century paintings.

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