Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Georges de Chassenard, located in the Allier department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a Catholic building dating back to the 12th century. It presents a nave and a Romanesque portal, witnesses to this medieval period. At the end of the 19th century, the church was in very poor condition, with an apse threatening ruin, which led to a major restructuring in the early 20th century.

In 1911-1912, the millenian architect Michel Mitton undertook a radical transformation of the building. It reverses the orientation of the church by demolishing the original apse and transept to the east, then rebuilding a new transept, a choir and sacristy to the west, as well as a facade with portal to the east. The nave and bell tower are preserved, while the portal is rebuilt in the architectural spirit of Bourbonnais.

The Romanesque parts of the church, namely the portal and the nave, are classified as historical monuments by order of 10 December 2001. The rest of the building has been listed as a historic monument since April 9, 2001. Among the remarkable elements, two Romanesque reliefs remain on the south wall, representing a battle of knights and the Adoration of the Magi. In 2000, a Burgundian Romanesque tympanum was discovered, featuring Christ of the Parousia surrounded by angels.

The church is now owned by the commune of Chassenard. Its architecture thus combines medieval elements and additions from the early twentieth century, illustrating a period of restoration and reinterpretation of the local religious heritage.

External links