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Origin and history

Saint John de la Rectoria Church, also known as Saint John l'Evangelist Church, is a Romanesque religious building located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, in the Eastern Pyrenees. Its name Rectoria (or Rectory) dates back to an ancient era, reflecting its central role in the local community. The church consists of two distinct parts: a unique Romanesque nave of the twelfth century, bordered by longitudinal arches, and a second nave narrower added in the eighteenth century. These two spaces, of the same length but of different widths, illustrate architectural evolutions over centuries.

The western gate, in full hanger and decorated with multiple rolls, presents a remarkable carved decoration (damiers, heads, characters). Inside, the early nave is arched in a full-cindered cradle, while the broken triumphal arch precedes a cul-de-four sanctuary. The bell tower-wall, typical of regional architecture, is surmounted by three brick arches, with a square access turret. A fraternity of the Rosary was founded there in 1623, demonstrating its spiritual and community importance.

Classified as a historical monument in 1962, the church now belongs to the municipality of Banyuls-sur-Mer. Its architecture combines robust Romanesque and baroque additions, such as the 18th century collateral, lighter, which communicates with the original nave by large arcades. The apsidiole, semi-circular inside but polygonal outside, and sculpted details (heads, characters) highlight the richness of this Mediterranean religious heritage.

Available sources, including the Mérimée bases and specialized works such as the forgotten Romanesque Churches of Roussillon (Géraldine Mallet, 2003), document its history and architecture. The Ministry of Culture and platforms like Clochers de France also list this monument, highlighting its heritage interest in the landscape of the Romanesque churches of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

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