Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne d'Allichamps, located at the place called "Allichamps-Domaine" on the commune of Bruère-Allichamps (Department of Cher), is a religious building of Romanesque architecture in Latin cross. Its construction probably began in the 11th century, with a central nave erected on ancient Gallo-Roman structures, of which elements were reused in the west wall. Originally, this parish priory is administered by the august Abbey of Plaimpied.

The church choir, attributed around 1150, completes the building. During the French Revolution, in 1789, the priory was sold as a national good and transformed into stables and barns, while preserving its 12th century bas-reliefs and sculptures, testimonies of medieval craftsmanship. Partial destructions (nef, cupola of the transept) have marked its history, but a restoration program is envisaged.

The church was bought by the city of Bruère-Allichamps in 1985. Originally listed in 1926, it has been listed as a historic monument since 2007. Its Latin cross plan includes a nave extended by a semicircular bedside, with a cul-de-four vault and a broken cradle roof. The capitals and modillons, intact, illustrate the mastery of 12th century sculptors.

External links