Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of the Calan Trinity, located in Morbihan, is a building whose exact origin remains uncertain. Attributed sometimes to the Templars, it dates back to the 12th century, although its first written mention appeared in 1387 in the archives of the Cathedral of Vannes. The only proven date is 1425, engraved on a sandstone of the choir frame, suggesting work or partial reconstruction at that time. The building, classified as a historical monument in 1930, presents a mixture of Romanesque (nef, cross of the transept) and Gothic (15th century choir), with a square tower surmounted by an arrow reborn in the 19th century.

The nave, with three structurally covered vessels, opens on the lower sides by arches in the middle of a hanger resting on capitals carved with geometric and stylized plant motifs, typical of Breton Romanesque art. The cross of the transept, particularly rich in ornaments, multiplies the committed columns and capitals, showing a remarkable architectural mastery. An outside gallery, divided in ossuary at its western end, runs along the south wall, supported by capital columns. Fragments of Romanesque murals, discovered in 1986, depict biblical scenes such as the entry of Christ to Jerusalem or the Supper.

The choir, rebuilt in the 15th century, opens onto the collaterals by broken arches, contrasting with the Romanesque style of the rest of the building. The furniture includes elements from the 15th to the 19th centuries, such as a statue of Virgin with Child or a 16th century bentier. The church shares architectural similarities with other Romanesque churches in Pourlet (Ploërdut, Priziac, Langonnet), especially in the abstract stylization of sculptures. Its classification in 1930 underlines its heritage importance, despite the absence of precise archives on its initial construction.

The Romanesque tower, with an arrow redone in the 19th century, dominates the building. The belfry, of Romanesque origin, and the frame dated 1465 (by an engraved sandstone) attest to successive changes. The western gate, rebuilt in the 19th century, and an unidentified 15th century coat of arms add to its historical mystery. The church, owned by the municipality, remains a major testimony of Breton religious art, mixing hypothetical, Romanesque and Gothic Templar influences.

External links