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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Denis de Douet-Arthus, located in the hamlet of Douet-Arthus (now attached to Heugon, commune of La Ferté-en-Ouche), is a religious building whose origins date back to the 12th century. Two Romanesque windows remain from this initial period. The church was thoroughly redesigned in the 15th century, as evidenced by its broken arch windows, its exposed ceiling and its murals, including a macabre dance and crucifixion, dated from the middle of this century. Its simple, single-nave design reflects a sober but characteristic architecture of Norman rural churches.

In the 18th century, a wooden porch was added (1769), marking a last major transformation phase. The church experienced a decline in the 20th century: abandoned in 1914, it barely escaped destruction in 1927. Despite the damage caused by the 1999 storm, it was protected by an inscription to historic monuments on 17 February 1997, recognizing its heritage value. A nearby source, known for curing eye disorders, adds a legendary dimension to the site.

The building now belongs to the municipality of La Ferté-en-Ouche (Department of Orne). Its painted decor, including macabre dance, makes it a rare testimony of Norman medieval art. The successive changes — Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic, then classical additions — illustrate the architectural and cultural evolution of the region over nearly seven centuries.

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