Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of the Exaltation-de-la-Sainte-Croix de Caix, located in the Somme region of Hauts-de-France, is an emblematic building of Picardy religious heritage. Dating mainly from the 16th century, it embodies the transition between the flamboyant Gothic style and the influences of the Renaissance, visible notably in its bell tower completed in 1577 and its facade decorated with laces of stone. This monument, classified in 1906, bears witness to the exceptional know-how of the stone tailors of Caix, renowned until the 16th century for their mastery, as evidenced by the architectural details and archives mentioning their participation in distant sites such as Quentin Bonian in Roye in 1567.

The building of the church spans centuries: the Gothic choir and transept date back to the 15th century, while the nave and bell tower, marked by Renaissance motifs, were erected in the 16th century. The bell tower, 40 meters high, is a masterpiece of architecture, combining Gothic elements (accolades, foothills) and Renaissance (doric pillars, openwork balustrades). Its turret staircase and adorned soundshaft illustrate this stylistic duality. The façade, on the other hand, has a flamboyant Gothic portal topped by a shield with the arms of the House of Lorraine, presumed patron of the building.

The history of the church is marked by tragic events, such as the fire of 1768 which destroyed part of the village and seriously damaged the central tower, never rebuilt. During the First World War, although close to the front, the building suffered limited damage, particularly to the north-west foothills of the bell tower and the tympanum of the gate. The restorations carried out between 1922 and 1928 preserved its integrity, despite the loss of decorative elements such as a copy of the Rubens Cross Descent and a wooden pendant adorning the pulpit.

Inside, the nave, wide and arched on a dogive cross, reveals carved arch keys and figurative capes, while the choir, slightly disoriented, houses an 18th century altarpiece. The lower side houses statues, including one of Saint Roch (1681), and traces of local woollen activities, such as heraldic combs reminiscent of the artisanal past of Caix. The church, a communal property since its ranking, remains a living testimony of Picard religious art and the social history of the region.

The building also owes its fame to its three 16th century gates, each with its unique features: the southern side door, decorated with pampres and a crowned Virgin (1530), the western facade with its Ecce Homo and its Lorrain shield, and the entrance to the bell tower, decorated with flamboyant motifs and Renaissance. These elements, combined with the quality of stone carving, underline the importance of Caix as a regional artistic centre, under the influence of the lords of Lorraine and the priors of Lihons-en-Santerre, owners of the altar since the Middle Ages.

External links