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Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Pharaïlde in Bruay-sur-l-l-Escaut, located in the Northern Department, replaces a primitive basilica dedicated to Saint Pharaïlde, destroyed by the Normans between 879 and 883. A second church, built in the 10th century, was gradually modified before being replaced by the present building, erected between 1891 and 1893. During the work, a 12th century Roman cenotaph, honoring the saint, was discovered under the choir and classified as a historical monument in 1896.

The neo-Gothic church, made of bricks and stone, has a bell tower typical of the region, surmounted by an arrow d'ardoises. Damaged by the Germans in 1918, it was restored in 1921. Its furniture includes a high altar and ceriferal angels carved by Modeste Verlinden, as well as Gustave Pattein's side altars. A 15th century silver reliquary, by goldsmith Gilles Steclin, has also been preserved and classified there since 1934.

The religious tradition remains alive with a Sunday Mass at 10.30am and an annual novena in September, perpetuating the cult of Saint Pharailde, a local protector. The inscription "Holy Pharaïlde, protect Bruay", engraved above the gate, testifies to its anchoring in the history and devotion of the community.

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