Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Sylvestre-et-Sainte-Colombe de Colombiers, located in the Hérault, is a monument whose origins date back to an indefinite period, probably Paleo-Christian. A first place of worship was built on a hill near the old Domitian way. Although its exact date of implantation remains unknown, remains such as two hooked capitals and a wisigothic altar, classified as a historical monument, attest to this primitive period. The excavations also revealed an ancient cemetery with lauze graves and sarcophagi, one of which is exposed in the church.

The Romanesque church, built between the late 10th and 12th centuries, is distinguished by its east-facing apse, its regular blonde stone apparatus, and its Lombard style. The twin arches in the middle of the hanger, the lumbar bands and the revamped oculi characterize this period. Only one absidiole remains, perhaps because of the fragile terrain. Recent excavations revealed that the Romanesque sanctuary was less deep than the current one, and the arched arched vault of the span of the choir makes it possible to date the whole of the late 11th and 12th century.

In modern times, the church underwent several transformations. In the 17th century, a bell tower with a three-metre arrow was erected, but repairs became necessary in 1782, led by master mason Cardos. In 1855, lightning damaged the bell tower, causing its arrow to be removed and its height reduced. In 1868, the church was enlarged, the walls repulsed, and frescoes and stained glass windows, made by the master glassmaker Gesta of Toulouse, were added. The monolithic columns in polished granite, adorned with acantha-leaf capitals, are the work of master Razimbaud de Béziers.

The church furniture includes remarkable elements: medieval baptismal fonts, an 18th-century white marble virgin, and stained glass windows depicting holy figures, including a rosace inspired by Raphael. A tombstone in white marble, dedicated to Victoire de Barbier, and an anachronistic painting of the 19th century depicting Saint Sylvestre sacrificing Emperor Constantine, complete this ensemble. Finally, a Roman funeral stele dedicated to Octavia recalls the former occupation of the site.

In 1987, under the impulse of Father Itié, parish priest, and with the help of the municipality and volunteers, the building was restored to restore its original simplicity. The superfluous additions are removed, giving the church its unity and meditative character. This restoration marks a key step in the preservation of this historical and religious heritage.

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