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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Saint-Michel de Tréguier, built in the 15th century, is located in the Côtes-d'Armor department in Brittany. From the original building, dated 1474 and destroyed by the English in the 16th century, only the bell tower persists today, a square granite tower surmounted by an octagonal stone arrow. This bell tower, twenty meters high, is characterized by an architectural passage from square to octagon thanks to triangular corbellations.

The chapel Saint-Michel, founded by Christophe du Chastel, bishop of Tréguier from 1466 to 1479, was originally located outside the city walls, on a hill overlooking the territory. The bell tower, classified as Historic Monument in 1930, preserves notable Gothic elements such as a broken arched west porch, trilobed bays, and a band of 17 coats of arms under the cornice. Nearby, a 15th century cross base, with a Gothic inscription, could be linked to the old adjacent cemetery.

In 1836, the municipality of Minihy-Tréguier ceded the land including the chapel in Tréguier. The nave, judged in bad condition, was abrased in 1841, leaving only the bell tower, today communal property. A later construction, reusing ancient elements, was joined to the tower after 1834. The site, accessible by Saint-Michel walkway, bears witness to the religious and architectural history of the region.

The bell tower, the only vestige of the medieval chapel, illustrates late Gothic construction techniques in Brittany. Its openwork arrow and its partially walled staircase reflect the influence of the religious buildings of the time. The foothills and carved pinnacles add to its heritage value, while the coats of arms suggest links with local noble families.

Partially classified as Historic Monuments since 1930, the Saint-Michel bell tower is a rare example of Breton religious architecture from the 15th century. Its present state, though fragmentary, allows us to study the stylistic transitions between the flamboyant Gothic and the early Renaissance influences in Brittany. The presence of the cross base reinforces its historical and funeral interest.

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