Initial construction 4e quart XIIe siècle (≈ 1287)
Chapel dedicated to Saint Martin.
XVIe siècle
Addition side chapel
Addition side chapel XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Major architectural extension.
1766
Become a parish church
Become a parish church 1766 (≈ 1766)
Change of religious status.
1911
Fire of the arrow
Fire of the arrow 1911 (≈ 1911)
Destroyed by lightning.
24 février 1926
Classification of the apse
Classification of the apse 24 février 1926 (≈ 1926)
Protection under Historical Monuments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
L'abside (Case D 623): inscription by order of 24 February 1926
Origin and history
The church Our Lady of Villequiers finds its origins at the end of the 12th century, under the initial invocation of Saint Martin. At the time, it was a chapel, before becoming a parish church in 1766. Its architecture reflects this evolution, with a side chapel added in the sixteenth century, typical of late medieval extensions.
In the 18th century, the building assumed an official parish function, confirming its anchoring in local religious life. A remarkable architectural element, L The external changes, such as replacing the crows of the abside with solid stones, show further restorations or adaptations.
A significant event occurred in 1911, when lightning destroyed the bell tower's arrow. It was subsequently rebuilt, illustrating the preservation challenges facing this heritage. Today, the church remains a symbol of the religious heritage of the Centre-Val de Loire, managed by the municipality of Villequiers.
The location of the building, at 5 Place de l'Église, in the department of Cher (region Centre-Val de Loire), makes it a central point of the village. Its history reflects the architectural and social transformations of a small rural commune, where the church played a pivotal role in community life, from religious celebrations to local gatherings.
