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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne de Belcastel, located in the Tarn in Occitanie, has its origins in the sixteenth century. Originally a simple chapel dependent on the castle of Belcastel (damaged during the French Revolution), it bears the dates of 1524 and 1584, engraved respectively in the southern chapel and on a stone of the bell tower screw. These dates mark the early stages of its construction, although the building remained unfinished until the 19th century.

In the 18th century, the church underwent major transformations with the addition of a ceiling and gypsies, reflecting the decorative tastes of the era. The 19th century saw the total reconstruction of the bedside and the addition of arches on warheads, carried out by the workshop Ceroni. These modifications finally completed the building, while preserving Gothic elements such as the three-span nave and the five-span choir.

The bell tower, older than the rest of the church (15th century), is a massive sandstone structure, reinforced by four foothills. A circular staircase from the first floor is on the north side of the building. The second floor, housing the bells (one of which was dated 1518), has a partially corbelled gallery, once serving as a round road. This bell tower, with its defensive appearance, bears witness to the security concerns of medieval and modern times.

Inside the church houses three paintings, including a copy of a work by Sebastiano del Piombo, as well as a wooden sacristy door studded with wrought iron, decorated with a coat of arms. In 1999, Bernadette Chirac inaugurates a path of the cross in 14 paintings by Casimir Ferrer, adding a contemporary touch to this historical heritage. The building, owned by the commune, has been listed as historic monuments since 27 May 2004.

Architecturally, the church blends defensive elements (fortified hatchery), gothic elements (nave and choir) and classical elements (18th century gypseries). Its history reflects the artistic and religious developments of the region, from its foundation as a castral chapel to its late completion and heritage protection.

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