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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Saint-Martial de Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, located in the Loiret department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a Catholic building dating back to the thirteenth century. The oldest remains, visible in the first three spans near the bell tower, include six period windows. This part was redesigned in the 15th century, with the addition of three windows, a door in the southern nave, and the total reconstruction of the bell tower. The rest of the building, from the third span to the sanctuary, also dates from the 15th century, characterized by arched vaults and a flamboyant Gothic choir.

The 17th century marked a major phase of transformation with the addition of the tower and installation of a baroque altarpiece (1688), which partially obstructed the windows of the 15th century. The church also houses the tomb of Louis Phélypeaux de La Vrillière (1598–1681), Secretary of State under Louis XIV, carved in marble by the Italian Domenico Guidi. Ranked a historic monument in 1862 (for tombs) and then in 1941 (for the building), it illustrates medieval and classical architectural evolution, enriched with modern stained glass windows signed by Joseph Archepel.

The building is distinguished by its three-nave plan, its square bell tower with partially collapsed vaults, and its semi-octogonal apse. The first two spans retain wooden cradles, while the sanctuary, dominated by the altarpiece, bears witness to Italian artistic influence under the Old Regime. A communal property, the church remains an active place of worship and a protected heritage, referenced in the Mérimée and Clochers bases of France.

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