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Origin and history

The Church of Our Lady of Gramazie, located in the village of the same name in Occitanie, is a religious building whose oldest parts date back to the 16th century. Although a mention of a church on this site exists as early as 932, the current building does not retain any trace prior to the 16th century. It is characterized by a unique un arched nave, a porch decorated with sculptures and a bell tower partially rebuilt after its collapse in 1609.

The porch, spared during the fall of the bell tower, has a vault with liernes and thirdrons, supported by carved lamp-ends. A flamboyant dais, decorated with an angel bearing a partially hammered shield (probably the coat of arms of the archbishop of Este), overcomes the entrance. The bell tower, of square shape at its base then octagonal, has two square floors inherited from the 16th century and an octagonal floor added later. An inner turret allows access.

The bedside, although remodeled in appearance, retains its original walls of the 16th century, as evidenced by a southern niche with prismatic moulures, formerly used as a liturgical pool. The church, with the exception of its northern chapel, was listed as historical monuments in 1948. Today it belongs to the municipality of Gramazie, in the department of Aude.

Partial reconstruction after 1609 expanded the western nave, creating an asymmetry between the eastern and western parts. The decorative elements, such as the arch in accolade of the niche or the sculptures of the porch, illustrate the late flamboyant Gothic style, typical of the transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in this region.

The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) highlight its heritage interest, particularly for its hybrid architecture and its turbulent history, marked by destruction and reconstruction. The accuracy of its location is estimated to be poor (level 5/10), and its current condition depends on the municipality, owner of the premises.

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