Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Paul-Aurelien, located in Lampaul-Ploudalmezeau in Finistère, dates from the first half of the seventeenth century. It is dedicated to Saint Paul Aurélien (or Pol in Breton), a founder of the bishopric of Leon. Its originality lies in its bell tower, built between 1626 and 1635, considered one of the most beautiful in Brittany. This late Renaissance bell tower is surmounted by a dome decorated with three superimposed lanterns. The building was partially destroyed by lightning in 1855, then restored in 1856 by architect Ernest Le Guerranic, who rebuilt much of the church while preserving the bell tower and the 16th century north gate.

Inside, the church houses remarkable statues, including a Virgin Mary crushing a demon (XVI century), as well as representations of Saint Pol Aurélien, Saint Eloi and Saint Barbe. The red-ribed blue window of the nave, the broken arched arcades and the southern side chapel add to its architectural character. A fountain dedicated to Saint Pol Aurélien, annexed to the church and restored in 1952, completes this religious ensemble. The bell tower and porch have been classified as Historic Monuments since 1926, highlighting their heritage value.

The building mixes coated granite bellows and cut stone for frames, typical of Breton architecture. Its three-vessel plane, multi-hulled bedside and hexagonal sacristy reflect the stylistic influences of the time. The restoration of 1856, led by Le Guerranic, allowed to preserve ancient elements while modernizing the structure, such as cement flooring and painted panelling. Today, the church remains a major testimony of the Finnish religious heritage, linked to the local devotion to Saint Pol Aurélien.

External links