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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul de Gonesse, built between 1180 and 1305, is a Gothic masterpiece of the country of France. His story begins with the reconstruction of the choir between 1180 and 1200, perhaps under the impulse of Philippe Auguste, who frequently stayed in the village. The original plan, without transept and with a walkway without radiant chapels, is inspired by the cathedrals of Laon and Paris. The nave, built between 1245 and 1305, had to initially have high windows and vaults, but these elements were never realized, leaving room for an apparent frame in overturned keel.

The construction was marked by interruptions, especially between 1208 and 1245, due to the founding of the Hôtel-Dieu de Gonesse by Pierre du Thillay, who monopolized donations. The triforium, of radiant Gothic style, evokes that of the Basilica Saint-Denis, while the capitals, of exceptional quality, bear witness to remarkable artistic know-how. The church was listed as a historic monument in 1862 and benefited from major restorations in the late 19th and 20th centuries, including the installation of floor heating and the modernization of electrical installations.

The choir, of great stylistic harmony, presents an apse in hemicycle inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris, with monolithic columns and elegant vaults. The nave, though unfinished, surprises by its brightness thanks to an openwork triforium. The lower sides, vaulted with warheads, house capitals carved from naturalist plant motifs. The exterior, marked by a western facade with three gates and a bedside with bow-buttons, reflects the architectural evolution between the 12th and 13th centuries.

The church was also the scene of a popular cult in the 18th century, following a miracle attributed to St Peter in 1785, where a young paralyzed man regained the use of his legs. This cult, although interrupted by the Revolution, bears witness to the spiritual importance of the place. Archaeological excavations carried out between 2012 and 2015 revealed seventy-nine burials dating from the sixth century to the end of the Middle Ages, confirming the site's seniority.

Among the remarkable elements of the furniture, the 1508 organ buffet, classified as a historical monument, is distinguished by its paintings by angel musicians and its polychrome decor. A painting of 1521, representing the Mise au tombeau and attributed to the workshop of Jean Bourdichon, as well as embroidered 17th century chapes, complete this artistic heritage. The bells, including the Michel bell melted in 1682, recall the sound history of the building.

Successive restorations, including those led by Jules Formigé in the 20th century, have preserved this emblematic monument. Today, Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul Church remains an active place of worship and a major testimony of Gothic architecture in Île-de-France, combining architectural ambition, sculptural refinement and living history.

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