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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Sauveur d'Alciette, located in the village of Alciette (comune of Ahaxe-Alciette-Bascasan, Pyrénées-Atlantiques), finds its origins in the 12th century, as evidenced by its Romanesque foundation. The first known written mention dates back to 1302, but the current building is the result of a major reconstruction in the 17th century, including its west gate and bell tower-wall with two campanary bays. The latter, typical of Basque architecture, is surmounted by a porch under awning. Originally parish church, she lost this status in 1892 when she joined the parish of Ahaxe.

The interior of the church, decorated in the second half of the 17th century, is distinguished by a false vault of painted wood and a panel of paintings, including a portrait of St James as a pilgrim. The baroque altarpiece, made of golden wood, features figures of saints surrounded by columns. The flat, blind bedside and limestone bellow walls contrast with the two chamfered windows of the south wall, one of which gives access to a stand overlooking the choir. The building, looted during the Revolution, was classified as a Historical Monument in 1987 (registration) and 2020 (total classification).

The church illustrates the architectural and cultural evolution of Lower Navarre, from a medieval parish place of worship to a secondary building after 1892. Its interior decor, preserved despite the historical vicissitudes, reflects the rural baroque art of the seventeenth century, marked by the influence of pilgrimage paths, such as that of Santiago de Compostela. Successive restorations have retained original elements, such as the exterior staircase (now disappeared but documented) leading to the southern stand.

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