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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Michel de La Garde-Guérin, located in the fortified village of La Garde on the commune of Prévanches (Lozère), is a Romanesque building probably dating from the late 13th century, although some sources evoke an origin in the 12th century. It is distinguished by the quality of its construction and the richness of its sculpted capitals, as well as by a massive stone portal decorated with three mouldings in full hanger. Inside, a golden wooden statue of Saint Michael, patron saint of the church and village, dating from the 15th century, bears witness to its religious and artistic importance.

This church was originally the chapel of the castle of the betting lords of La Garde, embodying the spiritual power of the bishop of Mende, while the nearby tower symbolized the temporal power of the coseigneurs. It also served as a meeting place for the Parish Knights, a local assembly. The building, composed of a nave of two spans and a pentagonal apse, includes a lateral chapel open on the first north span. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1928, it houses several objects referenced in the Palissy base.

The appointment of the chaplain serving this chapel was the responsibility of the village consuls, while his snack was the responsibility of the bishop of Mende. This division of responsibilities reflects the feudal and religious organization of the region at that time. Today, the church remains a major architectural and historical testimony of Gevaudan, attracting visitors for its preserved medieval heritage and its central role in local history.

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