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Origin and history

The Church of Saint-Blaise de Chamberaud, located in the Creuse department in New Aquitaine, is a religious building dating from the late 13th century (c. 1282). It was originally the chapel of a Templar Commandery, originally dedicated to Saint John before becoming a parish church. This monument is the only remaining building of Chamberaud's command office, one of the six founded by the Templars in the historical province of La Marche to finance their missions in the Holy Land.

The current structure bears the marks of its turbulent history. During the Hundred Years' War, the building was raised and fortified, as evidenced by the remains of mâchicoulis visible on the south façade. The plan includes a straight bedside nave preceded by a porch supporting the bell tower, while the first span forms the choir. Inside, the nave is covered with wooden arches of warheads, probably imitating ancient stone vaults that have now disappeared. A door decorated with a Maltese cross gives access to a vaulted room under the porch.

Classified as historical monuments by order of 26 February 1991, the church of Saint-Blaise also retains remarkable elements such as 13th century stained glass panels, recently rediscovered. These stained glass windows, mentioned in the monumental Bulletin of 2021, underline the artistic importance of the site. The building, owned by the commune, thus illustrates both the religious and military heritage of the region, marked by the influence of monastic orders and medieval conflicts.

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