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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativity de Lavilletertre, located in the Oise department in the Hauts-de-France region, is a Catholic religious building built between 1135/1140 and 1170. It is remarkable for its rare stylistic unit, combining early Romanesque and Gothic elements, and for its imposing dimensions relative to the modest size of the village. The church, with a basilical plan, consists of a nave of five spans with low sides, a salient transept and a rectangular choir with flat bedside. Its western portal is the largest Romanesque portal of the French Vexin, and its built-up bell tower peaks at 31 meters.

The construction started with the nave and the lower side, reflecting the Romanesque style at its peak, with broken arches and fasciculated pillars already announcing the Gothic. The capitals, of remarkable quality, combine vegetal motifs (acanthe leaves, palmettes) and stylized human or animal figures. The transept and the choir, built later, adopt a more assertive gothic style, although the windows remain in full hanger. The church was classified as a historical monument in 1862 for its architectural importance, notably as an early and homogenous example of a vaulted nave before the mid-12th century.

The history of the church is marked by some notable events, such as a fire around 1418-1419, which damaged some capitals and required the partial reconstruction of the vaults of the nave. Under the Old Regime, Lavilletertre depended on the Archdiocese of Rouen, and the church, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, was under the patronage of the Archbishop. Unlike many churches in the region, it has never undergone major changes that alter its original appearance, making it a valuable testimony of medieval architecture.

The church furniture includes several classified or inscribed elements, such as the 13th century baptismal fonts, a 17th century high relief representing children reading, and 19th century funeral monuments. The building, now affiliated with the parish of Saint-François-d Despite some clumsy restorations in the 19th century, the church retains a remarkable authenticity, especially in its nave and low side.

The exterior of the church is just as impressive, with a richly carved western facade and side elevations decorated with ground friezes and archicolts. The windows, although simple inside, are decorated outside with vegetal motifs and columns. The late Romanesque bell tower features curved bays and hooked capitals, announcing Gothicism. The ensemble, entirely made of stone, bears witness to the know-how of the 12th century masters of work in the French Vexin.

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativity church remains an emblematic building, both for its architecture and its history. Its early classification in 1862 underlines its heritage importance, and its state of conservation, despite some alterations, makes it possible to appreciate fully its stylistic unity and sculptural richness. Today, she continues to fascinate with her harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic, making her a must-see monument of French religious heritage.

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