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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of Saint John Baptist of Aulès, located in Doazit in the Landes, is a religious building whose origins date back to the twelfth century. It is distinguished by its Romanesque apse, decorated with an archature, and its nave in Gothic style, supplemented by two side chapels. This monument illustrates the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles, typical of the Dutch churches, while integrating defensive elements added later.

In the 14th century, the church was fortified by the addition of a tower to the west, a common modification in the area to protect itself from the conflicts of the time, including the Hundred Years War. This tower was completed in 1435 by a seigneurial chapel, backed by its northern flank, showing the importance of the place for the local lords. These arrangements reflect both the spiritual needs and security concerns of the community.

The porch of the cemetery, adjacent to the church, dates from the 17th or 18th century. Although its structure and cover were completely restored in 2010, this work retains its original appearance, offering an example of the funerary architecture of this period. The whole, including the porch, was classified as a historic monument by order of November 8, 2004, highlighting its heritage value.

Among the remarkable elements of the building, the stone pulpit is one of the rare examples preserved in the Landes, alongside those of Audignon, Saint-Aubin or Brocas in Montaut. This detail, as well as the combination of architectural styles, makes this church a valuable testimony to the religious and artistic history of the region.

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