The church of Notre-Dame de Vire, located in Calvados in Normandy, finds its origins in the twelfth century with the chapel of Saint-Blaise, replaced around 1150 by a Romanesque chapel. This first building, which became too small, left room from 1230 to a primitive Gothic church, dedicated to Notre-Dame in 1272. Its architecture combines elements from the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, including a flamboyant bedside and Romanesque remains such as the capitals of the western gate.
The church underwent successive enlargements, especially in the 15th century with the elevation of the choir in flamboyant Gothic style, perhaps under the direction of the same masterpiece as the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. Damaged during the bombings of 6 June 1944, it was restored in 1948. In 1955, three new bells, melted in Villedieu-les-Poêles, were installed: Jeanne-Marie (2.5 t), Hélène-Pierre (1.8 t) and Raymonde-Madeleine (1.2 t).
Ranked as a historical monument in 1862, the granite church combines various styles: 13th century nave, south transept and 13th-14th century tower, low side and entrance to the 15th century choir, as well as a sober 16th century bedside. Inside, a Renaissance door named door of the Petite Poissonnerie adorns the north wall of the choir. The film Manon (1948) by Henri-Georges Clouzot was partially shot in its post-war ruins.
Its furniture and architecture reflect its evolution, from the 12th century Romanesque capitals to late Gothic additions. The building, owned by the commune, remains a symbol of Norman religious and historical heritage, marked by the conflicts of the twentieth century and the subsequent restorations.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review