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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Symphorien de Morogues, located in the Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a religious building whose oldest parts date back to the late thirteenth century. A dendrochronological study conducted during its restoration (2016-2018) revealed that the trees used for its frame were felled between 1266 and 1267. Originally, the church had only one nave and a bell tower, without any trace of previous construction.

In the 15th century, the present bell tower was erected to the west to replace the old bell tower in front of the choir. Two side chapels were added to form a false transept: that of the north dedicated to the Virgin, that of the south to Saint Cloud. The apse, the choir and the chapels were then vaulted with cross-sections of warheads. The nave received a vaulted arch in 1716, while the woodwork of the choir dates from the 18th century. The pavement, the high altar and altars of the chapels were built in the 19th century.

The church houses remarkable furniture from the late Sainte-Chapelle de Bourges, abolished in 1757. Among these pieces are a work bench (former pulpit of officials), classified in 1913, as well as several statues classified as historical monuments between 1913 and 1977. These elements bear witness to the historical links between Morogues and the religious heritage of Bourges.

The bell tower, from a square plane to its base, rises in octagonal form from the first quarter of its height. It is reinforced by foothills and a stair turret to the south. Its top floor is pierced by eight arched bays. The building, owned by the commune, was listed as a historical monument by order of March 2, 1926, thereby recognizing its heritage value.

The church illustrates medieval and modern architectural evolutions in Berry, with Gothic influences (voûts, bell tower) and subsequent developments (woodworks, paving). Its furniture, partly from the Sainte-Chapelle de Bourges, makes it a place of memory for regional religious history.

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