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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Saturnin church of Cusset was built between 1857 and 1867 to replace an 11th century Romanesque church, considered too old and small. The municipality first entrusted the project to Jean-Baptiste Lassus, a Parisian architect specializing in neo-Gothicism, who inspired the 13th century style. At his death in 1857, Hugues Batilliat, a Vichyssian architect, took over the plans and completed the building in 1867. Napoleon III, frequenting the region, partially financed the construction of the bell tower.

The church is built of local limestone, with a six-span nave, two sides, and a choir to walk. Its atypical northward orientation is explained by urban density. The dogive vaults fall on massive columns with carved capitals, inspired by the sketches of Villard de Honnecourt. The stained glass windows, by Émile Thibaud, and neogothic furniture in waxed wood complete a rich decor, combining medieval references and local craftsmanship.

Consecrated in 1868 by the bishop of Moulins, the church became Cusset's main place of worship. It was listed as a Historic Monument in 2013, protecting all its architecture and furniture. Its square bell tower, surmounted by an arrow, and its carved tympanos (representing Saint Saturnin and King David) bear witness to his artistic and religious ambition.

The ancient Romanesque church, dedicated to Saint Saturnin, marked the heart of the royal city of Cusset in the Middle Ages. Rebuilt in Gothic times, it was demolished in 1857 to give way to this new building, a symbol of the city's urban and spiritual renaissance in the 19th century. The project also reflects the influence of neo-medieval currents in architecture, carried by figures such as Lassus.

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