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Origin and history

The church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Beldentier, located in the Var department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, finds its origins in the 11th century. At that time, it depended on the abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseilles, although the current building was completely rebuilt in 1616. This place of worship, rooted in local history, reflects the close links between Provencal rural communities and major religious institutions such as abbeys.

The reconstruction of 1616 marks the beginning of the architectural history of the present church. It underwent significant restorations after its devastation by the imperial troops in 1707, and then a new construction campaign in 1880. These successive interventions reflect the political and military upheavals that have affected the region, particularly during the conflicts linked to the Spanish succession. The building, inscribed with historical monuments in 1987, preserves notable architectural elements such as its dome and a fresco by Michel Deguil.

The church choir, surmounted by a dome, houses a fresco commemorating the passage of Louis XIV on the way to Cotignac Abbey. This artistic detail illustrates the symbolic significance of the monument, linked to a 17th century royal event. The location of the church, on the central square of Beldentier (place de la République), reinforces its role as focal point for the community and religious life of the village for centuries.

The church now depends on the municipality of Beldentier, which manages it. Its listing in the historic monuments inventory in 1987 highlights its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its turbulent history. Available sources, such as the Mérimée bases or the observatories of religious heritage, confirm its status as an emblematic building of Var and historical Provence.

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