Church of Viellenave à Bergouey-Viellenave dans les Pyrénées-Atlantiques

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Origin and history

The church of Viellenave, located in Bergouey-Viellenave in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is a building from the middle of the 13th century, marked by an architectural transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles. It consists of a single nave of three spans and a vaulted polygonal sanctuary, whose veins fall on fine columns. The western gate, in full-angle arch, is distinguished by an original tympanum consisting of three cut slabs evoking arcades. The church, a former Prioral Chapel, was attached to a priory and a pilgrims' hospital, testifying to its role on a path to Santiago de Compostela.

The building retains defensive elements such as a fortified polygonal staircase turret, and narrow arched windows. In 1279 Count Arnault Guilhem de Gramont, returning from the Holy Land, was buried there. Major works took place in 1857-1860 under the direction of architect Charles Necess, adding a span and a bell tower. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1920, the church was restored in 1980. Her story is linked to that of the church of Arancou, of which she is considered a "daughter".

The surrounding toponymic traces, such as the Hospital (neighbor house) or La Borde Lespitau (near farm), recall its medieval hospital vocation. The site, although modified, remains a significant example of the religious architecture of this pivotal period, mixing spiritual, defensive and charitable functions on pilgrimage paths.

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