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Origin and history

Saint-Bonnet de Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard is a fortified Romanesque church located in the Gard department in the Occitanie region. Founded in the ninth century by the monks of the abbey of Psalmodi, near Aigues-Mortes, it is mentioned for the first time as Sanctus-Bonitus in 994 in the cartular of this abbey. His name reappeared in 1060 and 1156 in the archives of the Cathedral of Nîmes. The building, originally Romanesque, was strengthened by fortifications in the 12th and 14th centuries, reflecting its defensive role in a region marked by conflict.

The monument is distinguished by its crenellated pentagonal bedside, its towers overtaking the transept, and its walls in rubble pierced with bolt holes. The western facade, made of cut stone, contrasts with the rest of the building and houses a portal surmounted by a landfill arch. Inside, the nave, the transept and the semicircular abside date back to the 11th century, as the impostes show. A round road runs over the vaults, vestige of medieval defensive developments.

The church historically depended on the vigour of Beaucaire and the archiprire of Nîmes, in the homonymous diocese. Classified as a historical monument since February 7, 1907, it is now owned by the municipality. Its opening to the public is limited to the second Sundays of the month, from May to October, as well as European Heritage Days. Its architecture thus combines religious heritage, military adaptations and traces of medieval community life.

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