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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Renwez, located in the Ardennes department, is the result of successive constructions and reconstructions between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. The present building, mainly from the sixteenth century, was erected after the fires of 1478 that destroyed an earlier church dating from the twelfth century. Only the portal and the first span of the old nave remain of this period, now integrated as an internal portal. The reconstruction work was carried out under the leadership of Antoine and Philippe de Croÿ, local lords.

The church's architecture combines flamboyant Gothic elements and Renaissance influences, which can be seen in the vault of the choir, divided into 22 compartments. The nave, with three spans flanked by bottoms, has sexpartite vaults, while the arms of the transept have ivy and third-line vaults. The bell tower, added in 1769, overcomes the old western gate, which became interior after the construction of a new porch at the end of the 15th century. The furniture includes a master altar and a wooden pulpit of 1671, carved by Jean Hutreau, as well as an organ installed in 1790 by the factor Kerst, partially destroyed in 1917.

Ranked a historical monument in 1913, the church illustrates the architectural and artistic evolution of the region, marked by reconstructions linked to conflicts and liturgical needs. Its central location in the town of Renwez, at the convergence of major roads, highlights its historic role as a place of assembly and worship for local communities. The flamboyant stained glass windows and the southern rosette, typical of late Gothic art, complete a remarkable heritage set.

The historical sources also mention subsequent interventions, such as the woodwork and stalls of the 18th century choir, as well as the damage suffered during the First World War, including the plundering of organ pipes by German troops. These elements testify to the vicissitudes crossed by the monument over the centuries, while preserving its sacred and artistic character.

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