Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Saturnin church of Tourbes, mentioned as early as 990 in the archives of the Béziers chapter, was originally a priory dependent on the latter. It was completely rebuilt in the 14th century, before being destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Starting in 1605, it was raised in the same way with the original materials, but without the planned enlargement to the west.

The architecture of the church is characterized by a unique nave of three spans, covered with quadripartite warheads based on leafed capital columns. The diagonal arches, decorated with carved arch keys, and the trilobed windows of the choir illustrate the southern Gothic style. A rose with complex fillings adorns the western facade, while two side chapels frame the last span.

In 1858, consolidation works were carried out to preserve the building, which was finally inscribed in the Historic Monuments in 1935. The slow pace of work in the 17th century had prevented the addition of an additional span, as evidenced by the visible traces on the façade. Today, the church belongs to the municipality of Tourbes and preserves remarkable architectural elements, such as capitals decorated with volutes and oves.

The massive bell tower, backed by the northern chapel, and the stained glass windows with trilobed lancets recall the historical importance of this place of worship, linked to the cathedral chapter of Béziers. The sculpted blazons on the arch keys also evoke its medieval past and its role in the local community.

External links