Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Marcilly, located in the Orne department in Igé, is a Catholic religious building dating back to the 12th century. It stands in the former territory of the commune of Marcilly, attached to Igé in 1817. Its Romanesque architecture, visible especially in the archvolts of the door decorated with saw teeth, bears witness to this medieval period, although some changes were made in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The nave of the church is covered with a wooden vault with apparent entrances, while its west gable wall supports a slender bell tower, characteristic of Norman religious buildings. Inside, three classic altars, traditionally attributed to Mansart's design on request by Louvois (then owner of Marcilly's Prairie estate), highlight his connection to local history. The church, dependent on the diocese of Sées and formerly under the patronage of Saint Vincent du Mans Abbey, was restored in 1957 before its inscription to historical monuments on June 9, 1971.

Today owned by the commune of Igé, the church of Notre-Dame de Marcilly illustrates both Norman Romanesque heritage and subsequent architectural transformations. Its furniture, including classical elements, and its preserved structure bear witness to the artistic and religious evolutions of the region, from medieval times to modern times. Its official inscription enshrines its heritage value, while inviting to discover its history linked to local lords and surrounding religious institutions.

External links