Construction of the tower XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
The oldest part of the building.
XIVe siècle
Construction of the nave
Construction of the nave XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Gothic style characteristic of the period.
1654
Portal north
Portal north 1654 (≈ 1654)
Date engraved on the book.
1709 et 1737
Graffiti on the tower
Graffiti on the tower 1709 et 1737 (≈ 1737)
Testimonials by Mathis and F.St Rémi.
1777
Restoration by Leblanc
Restoration by Leblanc 1777 (≈ 1777)
Date worn on the south tower.
1918
Post-war restoration
Post-war restoration 1918 (≈ 1918)
Repairs after the First War.
9 juin 1921
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 9 juin 1921 (≈ 1921)
Official protection of the building.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Leblanc - Architect or contractor
Responsible for the restoration of 1777.
Mathis - Author of a graffiti
Original engraving dated 1737 on the tower.
F.St Rémi - Author of a graffiti
Signature of 1709 with mention 'B.Sunday'.
Origin and history
The church Saint-Maurice de Damvillers, located in the Meuse department, presents a complex architectural history. Its tower, the oldest part, dates back to the 12th century, while the nave was built in the 14th century. The northern portal, dated 1654, and the sacristy, added in the nineteenth century, bear witness to successive evolutions. A major restoration took place in 1777 under the direction of Leblanc, as indicated by the date on the tower.
The south tower preserves historical graffiti, including those of Mathis (1737) and F.St Rémi (1709), engraved by visitors or residents. The church suffered extensive damage during the First World War, requiring restoration after 1918. A remarkable element is the awning in front of the western gate, coming from the Saint-Roch hermitage, a detail revealing the reuse of local heritage elements.
By order of 9 June 1921, the church belongs to the municipality of Damvillers. Its hybrid architecture, combining medieval and classical styles, reflects the liturgical needs and historical hazards of this Lorraine region. The successive modifications, such as the 17th century portal or post-war restorations, illustrate its permanent adaptation to social and religious contexts.
The location of Damvillers, in the former Lorraine region (now Great East), places this building in a territory marked by border conflicts and cultural exchanges between France and the German Empire. The presence of graffiti and re-used elements emphasizes its anchoring in the daily life of the inhabitants, far beyond its strictly religious function.
