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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Félix de Lézignan-Corbières, located in the Aude in Occitanie, finds its origins in the ninth century with a first Carolingian church, attested by a diploma of 899. This primitive place of worship, linked to the abbey of Lagrasse from 806 under Charlemagne, was replaced by a Romanesque church, then by the present Gothic building, whose construction began in the 13th–14th century by the bedside. The Carolingian remains, visible in the western wall, reveal superimposed traces of successive epochs, while re-used 11th–12th century voliges testify to the transition to Gothic style.

The unique nave, devoid of collaterals, is bordered by seven lateral chapels (four of which are dated from the 15th century) and ends with an apse with seven dogive vaulted sides. The massive square bell tower was completed in the 15th century with its projecting screw staircase, while the entrance porch, adorned with an archvolt with hooks, replaced an ancient Romanesque bell tower. The stained glass windows of the abside, dedicated to Saint Felix (the patron saint of the church), Saint Colette and Saint Régis, integrate the municipal coat of arms. The original frame, supported by double arches, was replaced in the 19th century by a brick vault, and a stand was added in 1877.

The church, the seat of a provost in the 13th century and attached to the Conventual Mense of Lagrasse in 1453, was served by three secular priests. His treasure, today amputated by thefts (including a bust of the Blessed Bonne d'Armagnac in 1980 and a painted panel of the 15th century in 1981), included major works such as a statue of St. Francis receiving the stigmas (17th century) and an 18th century marble altar. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1951, it illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of Narbonnais, Carolingians in the 19th century.

Recent excavations revealed the original Carolingian wall under the crepe of the west wall, confirming the superposition of styles. The capitals, without decoration, and the weight masses supporting the triumphal arch underline the sobriety of the Southern Gothic. The sacristy, partially rebuilt in the 19th century, and the stained glass windows with precise dedications (such as that of Saint Felix bearing the local coat of arms) bear witness to the community anchor of the building, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations.

A diploma from Charlemagne (806) and a papal bubble from Gélase II (1119) document the ancient links between the church, the abbey of Lagrasse and the archdiocese of Narbonne. In the 15th century, Jean de Corsier noted that the building, well repaired, was not yet completed. The major transformations (brick vaults in 1856, gallery in 1877) meet liturgical and structural needs, while the flights of the 20th century recall the challenges of preserving religious heritage.

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