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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Loup de Rillé, located in the Indre-et-Loire department, is a parish building dating back to the 11th century. Founded as a priory dependent on the Abbey of Marmoutier, it has undergone major transformations over the centuries. In the 12th century, a transept and two apsidioles (now disappeared) were added, while a collateral dedicated to Saint Urbain was built north of the nave at the beginning of the 13th century. These changes reflect the evolution of the liturgical and architectural needs of the local community.

In the 15th century, the church underwent important works: the sacristy was built on the west facade, protected by a porch, and the bell tower was raised with foothills. The holes in the nave were also modified, from Romanesque windows in the middle of the hanger to flamboyant Gothic bays. The 16th century saw the resumption of the vaults of the collateral, marking the last major transformation campaign before partial restoration in the 19th century. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1937, recognizing its heritage value.

The church is distinguished by its western gate sheltered under a porch, coupled with a sacristy and a 15th century square bell tower, crowned with an octagonal arrow. The southern wall of the nave preserves traces of its Romanesque origin, like an old window in the middle of the hangar, while the choir, disoriented, presents a flat bedside pierced with third-point bays. The 12th century transept, partially redesigned, and the vaulted dogives collateral illustrate the superposition of architectural styles, bearing witness to almost five centuries of religious and local history.

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