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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Briac de Bourbriac, located in the Côtes d'Armor, finds its origins in the 12th century with a Romanesque construction by the Benedictines of Saint-Mélaine de Rennes, including a crypt and an elevated choir. Although local tradition evokes a foundation by St.Briac in the sixth century with a monastery and a link to King Deroch, no archaeological or historical evidence confirms this hypothesis. The building suffered major damage during the War of Succession of Brittany, and was partially rebuilt in the 16th century (northern porch, tower-porch, south transept).

In 1765, a fire completely destroyed the nave, causing its reconstruction between 1771 and 1775, accompanied by the suppression of the Romanesque cross tower in favor of a bell tower. The arrow, destroyed by a hurricane in 1867, was replaced two years later by a neo-Gothic arrow of 64 meters, designed by architect Alphonse Guépin. The monument, classified in 1907, preserves Romanesque elements (crypt, cross of the transept) and Renaissance additions, such as the tower-porch dated 1535, marked by the influence of Guillaume and Yves Cozic.

The interior houses a crypt of the 11th or 12th century, redesigned, as well as a 16th century alabaster lying attributed to Saint Briac, placed in a 19th century catafalk. The north porch, decorated with 12 statues of polychrome terracotta, and the nearby fountain, probably contemporary, bear witness to Breton religious art. The organ, installed in 1989, completes this ensemble of medieval heritage and modern restorations.

Local tradition combines the church with St.Briac, whose monolithic coffin (perhaps from the High Middle Ages) and a bust-liquary are always venerated during annual processions. These elements, though legendary for some, anchor the monument in the religious and cultural history of Brittany, between popular beliefs and classified architectural heritage.

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