Construction of church XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Romanesque building decorated with murals.
1733
Installation of a cure
Installation of a cure 1733 (≈ 1733)
Before the partial collapse in the 18th century.
18 juin 1973
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 18 juin 1973 (≈ 1973)
Inventory of ruins.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church (rests of the old one) (Box A 180): inscription by decree of 18 June 1973
Key figures
Information non disponible - No historical character mentioned
Sources do not cite any specific actors.
Origin and history
The remains of the former church of Bessay, dedicated to Saint-Jean-Baptiste, are located in the commune of Saint-Aubin-le-Monial, in the department of Allier. This building, built in the 13th century, was originally a Romanesque church whose ruins today remain only. Among the remains are a lateral span and a bell tower, which rises above the square span of the transept. In medieval times, the church was completely covered with murals, depicting the Virgin with the Child surrounded by decorative motifs, as well as decorations on the pillars and tympanos.
In the 18th century, the Romanesque church collapsed gradually, although a cure was installed there in 1733. The current ruins, classified as historical monuments since 1973, recall the importance of this place of worship in the former parish of Bassais (or Bessay)-le-Monial, now attached to Saint-Aubin-le-Monial. The protected elements include the remains of the church, as described in the cadastre under reference A 180.
The building is listed in the heritage databases, including Mérimée and Clochers de France, which underscores its historical and architectural interest. Although partially destroyed, this monument offers a valuable testimony of Romanesque art and religious life in Bourbonnais in the Middle Ages. The approximate location, noted as 'passable' (level 5), would situate the ruins near the so-called Basis site, on the territory of the present municipality.
