Origin and history
The Church of the Nativity of Sainte-Vierge and Saint-Leu, located in Jouy-le-Moutier, Île-de-France, is a Catholic building whose oldest part, the Romanesque bell tower, dates back to the 1130s. This bell tower, with an octagonal stone arrow, is a typical example of the Romanesque architecture of the region, with its two floors of bays in full hanger and foothills-columns. It is associated with a primitive nave, probably devoid of bottoms, and with a transept whose remains are still visible in the Romanesque arcades of the base of the bell tower.
In the 13th century, under the influence of the chapter of Notre-Dame de Paris, a new Gothic choir was built between 1220 and 1240. This choir, of primitive Gothic style transitioning towards the radiant, is distinguished by its elevation to three floors (large arcades, triforium, high windows) and its capitals carved of leaves and plant motifs. The collaterals of the choir, as well as the reconstructed crusillons, complete this ensemble, although their height remains lower than that of the later nave.
The nave and the low-sides are completely redesigned in the 16th century in the flamboyant Gothic style. This bold reconstruction includes raising the base of the bell tower to unify the height of the vessels, a remarkable technical innovation. The capitals of this period combine late Gothic motifs with renaissant influences, such as oves and rites of heart. The galleries open in height, replacing the traditional triforium, and the vaults with prismatic veins testify to this architectural originality.
The church, classified as a historic monument in 1912, underwent several restorations, notably in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some interventions, such as reconstructing the southern side gate or changing the roofs of the crumbs to highlight the bell tower, have sometimes altered its authenticity. Despite these transformations, the building retains major elements of each era, including Romanesque capitals, flamboyant stained glass windows, and a 13th-century Virgin with the Child, now placed near the high altar.
Historically, Jouy-le-Moutier was a parish dependent on the chapter of Notre-Dame de Paris, as evidenced by the archives as early as 1186. His church, originally dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Visitation, adopted in the 18th century the current term of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin. The second patron saint, Saint Loup de Sens (or Saint Leu), is associated with a northern chapel and a shawl preserving its relics. The parish, formerly independent, is now integrated into the parish group of Hautil, although the church of Jouy-le-Moutier remains the oldest and largest in the area.
The bell tower, often compared to those of Nesles-la-Vallée or Cergy, illustrates the local Romanesque architecture with its harmonious proportions and carved decorations (flat leaves, volutes). The octagonal arrow, restored in the 19th century, dominates a building whose exterior elevations, more sober, contrast with the interior richness. The excavations of the 1990s revealed traces of buildings prior to the 12th century, confirming the former occupation of the site.
Today, the church welcomes Sunday Masses and retains classified furniture, including statues and liturgical elements. Although less central in parish life since the construction of the church Sainte-Claire de Vaureal (1995), it remains a major testimony of the architectural and religious evolution in Île-de-France, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review