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Origin and history

The Basilica Notre-Dame du Folgoët, located in the Finistère, is a Marian Gothic building built from the end of the 14th century on the site where lived Salaün ar Foll, a 13th century Breton hermit venerated for his devotion to the Virgin. Its origin dates back to a vow of the Duke John IV of Brittany after his victory at Auray in 1365, although the works began later, around 1380, before being interrupted by the war. The church, dedicated in 1419 and consecrated in 1423 by John V, became a collegiate and in 1427 obtained the title of minor basilica, although this status was not clearly documented.

The architecture of the basilica is distinguished by its asymmetry, with an incomplete transept and a gothic keranton jube, unique in Brittany, inspired by English models such as the cathedral of Exeter. The monument suffered a fire in 1708, partially destroying the nave, then covered with a wooden panel. In the 17th century, the south tower, which remained unfinished, was surmounted by an ionic column floor. The stained glass windows, originally made by Allain Cap in the 17th century, were replaced in the 19th century by works by Émile Hirsch, executed by Loglet, Queynoux and Poutet workshops.

The basilica is deeply linked to the Montfort dynasty, notably Jean V, which adds a ducal chapel to the south and a richly decorated porch, reflecting their political and religious strategy. The pilgrimage, favored by the dukes and the Duchess Anne of Brittany, attracts faithful until today, with traditions such as the Pemp Sul (five Marian Sundays in May) and the annual forgiveness of September. Ranked as a Historic Monument in 1840, it remains a symbol of Breton religious heritage, mixing ducal history, Gothic art and popular devotion.

The site also houses a calvary built by Cardinal Alain de Coëtivy, as well as a canonial mansion (Doyenné) built thanks to the offerings of Anne of Brittany. The bells, including a fondue in 1560, and the stained glass windows narrate the legend of Salaün ar Foll, reinforce its sacred character. Despite the revolutionary destructions (stamped statues and coats of arms), the 19th century restorations preserved its integrity, making it a major witness of Gothic art in Brittany and a place of pilgrimage still alive.

The initial spatial organization, planned with dogive vaults, is modified during construction to adopt a wooden panel, a typical choice of Breton architecture. The jube, a masterpiece of the 15th century, barely escaped a controversial restoration in 1840 thanks to the intervention of protectors such as Miorcec de Kerdanet. Local materials (keranton, Kernilis granite) and English influences (flamboyant motives) underline its originality. Today, the basilica, integrated into the parish of Notre-Dame-du-Folgoët-Abers-Côte des Légendes, continues to attract the faithful and lovers of sacred art.

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