Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Pierre de Montlivault, located in the Loir-et-Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a religious building dating back to the 12th century. It is distinguished by a simple nave, a southward disaxed choir covered with a cradle vault, and a semicircular apse arched in cul-de-four. These novel elements bear witness to its former foundation, while subsequent additions reflect major architectural developments.

In the 15th century, a five-span side, covered with arches of warheads, was joined to the south of the building, marking a transition to the Gothic style. The bell tower, built at the same time, presents a portal dated from the end of the 15th century and geminied bays in third-point on the second floor. This once fortified bell tower dominates the whole and illustrates the defensive importance of churches at this troubled time. Fifteenth century murals, discovered during restorations, represent a Trinity and the last Mass of Saint Denis, highlighting the spiritual and artistic role of the monument.

The 16th century saw the addition of a chapel dedicated to the Virgin in 1655 (for the Charron family), as well as the construction of a south side extended. Recent restorations, initiated since the year 2000, have revealed rare structures and medieval coloured coatings behind the pulpit, including an historic panel between two windows. These discoveries confirm the church's heritage interest, partially classified in 1948 (clocher and portal) and in its entirety in 2010.

The building, owned by Montlivault, embodies nearly nine centuries of religious and architectural history. Its irregular design, its successive additions and its painted decorations bear witness to the artistic and cultural evolutions of the region, from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Traces of coloured coatings and private chapels, such as that of the Charrons, also reveal devotional practices and local patronage throughout the ages.

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