Saint Peter's Church of Matemale dans les Pyrénées-Orientales

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Origin and history

The St. Peter's Church of Matemale, cited in 1701 as the Díglesia de Sant Pere, is a religious building rooted in local history. Dedicated to Saint Peter, patron saint of the village, it was originally built in 1413, but underwent major changes until 1869, especially for its bell tower. An anecdote marks this last date: the 450 kg bell, cracked during its installation, remained on the ground where it still stands today. Its architecture reflects these evolutions, with novel elements and baroque additions.

The church, with a single nave bordered by side chapels, preserves medieval remains such as the north and south chapels, their furniture, as well as an altar and a 16th century altarpiece. The altar, carved in a thick polished granite stone, houses a Virgin of the Rosary carved in birch by architect Raaymakers, who also restored Baroque statues (saint Peter, Saint Anne, Saint Joachim) and an ancient wooden cross. The semi-circular, Romanesque-style, was restored in 1957, as was the nave, with two diaphragm arches supporting a brick vault.

Among the remarkable elements, the harpsichord above the side door bears the weapons of Matemale dated 1626: "the keys of St.Peter superimposed and accosted by two patted crusches", witness to the first known renovation. The furniture includes a silver chalice of 1708, classified as a historical monument in 1958, highlighting the rich heritage of this Pyrenean place of worship.

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