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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne d'Allichamps, located in the Cher, is built on a Gallo-Roman site whose elements were reused in its masonry. Founded as parish priory in the 11th century, it initially depended on the august abbey of Plaimpied. Only the nave, of Romanesque style, was built at that time, while the choir was erected around 1150.

During the French Revolution, the building was sold as a national property in 1789 and converted into stables and attices. Despite these changes, its Romanesque architecture remains preserved, including its 12th century bas-reliefs and modillons. Partial destruction later affected the nave and dome of the transept, requiring restoration.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 2007 after a first inscription in 1926, the church was bought by the municipality of Bruère-Allichamps in 1985. His Latin cross plan, with a cul-de-four apse and a broken cradle roof, bears witness to his medieval heritage. Today, it is open to the public and valued as a local heritage.

Archaeological excavations and studies revealed traces of ancient and medieval occupation around the site, confirming its historical importance since the Gallo-Roman period. The sculpted capitals and modillons, intact, illustrate the 12th century Romanesque craftsmanship, while the vestiges of the nave and transept recall the transformations undergone over the centuries.

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