Building construction fin XVIIe - début XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1825)
Replaces a destroyed Romanesque church.
1873-1874
Major restoration
Major restoration 1873-1874 (≈ 1874)
Work in the 3rd quarter 19th century.
24 décembre 1925
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 24 décembre 1925 (≈ 1925)
Total building registration.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church: registration by decree of 24 December 1925
Origin and history
Saint-Michel Church, located in the heart of the village of Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret en Gironde, is a flamboyant Gothic religious building. Built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, it succeeds a Romanesque church destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Its architecture includes a central nave, low-sides, a arched transept, and a bell tower to the west. Originally, it served as a pilgrimage church, as evidenced by its large porches designed to welcome the faithful.
The building underwent several phases of transformation: enlarged and restored in the 17th century, it was vaulted in 1716, then equipped with stands in 1725 and 1730. Additional restoration work took place between 1873 and 1874. The church was fully registered as historical monuments by order of 24 December 1925. Today it belongs to the commune and remains a major architectural and historical testimony of the region.
The church of Saint-Michel is located at the intersection of departmental roads D117 and D214 in the centre of the village. Its strategic location and its past role as a place of pilgrimage underline its importance in local history. Available sources, such as the Merimée bases and the diocesan archives, confirm its status as a protected religious and architectural heritage.
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