Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens, located in Gesté (comune of Beaupréau-en-Mauges), has its origins in the 15th century. Fired in 1794 during the Vendée War, it was partially rebuilt in 1800. In 1844, architect Ferdinand Lachese rebuilt the nave in a neoclassical style, adding a bell tower in 1854. The building was enlarged in 1862-1864 by Alfred Tessier, who added a transept and a neo-Gothic bedside, based on a crypt.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the church became the subject of a controversy between the municipality, wishing to destroy it for budgetary reasons, and a local association opposed to the project. Despite the unfavourable opinions of the cultural services and legal remedies, demolition began in June 2013, leaving only the bell tower and two sides of the wall. A new modern church, inaugurated in 2017, replaces the historic building.

The ancient church was distinguished by its Latin cross plan, its imposing neo-Gothic vaults, and its tuffeau and granite materials. It housed 19th-century stained glass windows and a patinated plaster cross path. Despite its recognized architectural interest, it has never been classified as historical monuments, which has facilitated its destruction.

The controversy surrounding its demolition highlighted the tensions between preservation of heritage and local budgetary constraints. The association Mémoire vivant du patrimoine gestois tried, without success, to save the building, accusing the municipality of deliberately allowing the building to deteriorate to justify its destruction.

The modern reconstruction project, led by the town hall, culminated in a church inaugurated in December 2017. This new building takes over the bell tower of the old church, symbolizing an architectural break with the past while maintaining a visual link with local history.

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