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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Symphorien de Biozat, located in the Allier department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a Romanesque building built in the 12th century. It is distinguished by its bedside composed of a central apse and two semicircular apsidioles, typical of auvergnate Romanesque architecture. The central apse, made of cut stone and honeycomb, has engaged columns and windows topped with arches in the middle, while the apsidioles are mainly in stone. The octagonal bell tower, pierced with geminied berries, is surmounted by a checkered frieze, adding to the elegance of the whole.

Ranked a historic monument in 1862, the church was restored, especially in 2011 with the replacement of the lauze roof with canal tiles. Nearby, a Roman Mile and a "Celtic Stone" were registered in 1946, reflecting the site's seniority. The church was once adjoining the castle of Biozat, whose lords were vassals of the Dukes of Montpensier. In the 19th century, murals depicting saints, such as St Sebastian and St Stephen, were rediscovered under the badigeons.

The building also houses a funeral chapel adjacent to the north nave, built by the Hutteau d'Origny family, owners of the castle in the 19th century. This chapel reflects the historical importance of the family in the region. The church, owned by the commune, remains a remarkable example of auvergnat Romanesque art, marked by carved modillons and a cornice in strong protruding.

The excavations carried out in the 19th century revealed vestiges attesting to its close connection with the castle, burned in 1369. These discoveries highlight the central role of the church in the seigneurial and religious life of Biozat. Today, it continues to bear witness to this rich past, while remaining a place of worship and heritage accessible to the public.

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