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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Cyr church of Marcilly-le-Châtel, built mainly of small granite and basalt bellows, has a symmetrical western facade around the gate. Its nave, covered with a long-paned roof, ends with a polygonal rump on the apse, while the bell tower has a roof in the pavilion. Inside, the three vessels are vaulted with ridges up to the cross, surmounted by a dome on tubes. The transepts and the right span of the choir are vaulted in cradle, and the apse in cul-de-four. A staircase allows access to the bell tower.

The building found its origins around 1060-1080, when the church and the priory of Marcilly were given to Abbé de Savigny. The transept, the cross, the apsidioles, the dome and the first level of the bell tower could date from this period. The nave was rebuilt in the late 15th or early 16th century, with two spans flanked by chapels added in the 16th century. The bell tower is also rebuilt, and its wrought iron bell tower dates from the 2nd quarter of the 19th century.

In the 19th century, expansion works were undertaken: architect Dulac proposed in 1849 to rebuild the apse by extending it eastward and to add an additional span west of the nave, moving the 16th century gate. The northern sacristy was built in 1857 against the northern absidiole. The work was completed in 1876, as indicated by the date engraved on the façade. The vaults of the added nave span are built of brick, and the new facade is made of cut stone (Moingt granite).

The church is classified as Historic Monument by decree of 19 November 1991. It illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the region, mixing Romanesque, Gothic and modern restoration styles. Its location in Marcilly-le-Châtel, in the Loire, makes it an important testimony of local heritage.

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