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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Symphorian church of Neuville-aux-Bois is a Gothic building built in the 13th and 15th centuries, marked by an architecture without transept. It consists of three naves completed by polygonal apsides, with a large nave of seven vaulted spans in dogive cross-sections. The lower sides, connected by arch arches in broken arches, have structural peculiarities: the lower south side has seven spans, while the north side has less because of the integration of the tower of the bell tower. The apses, vaulted on fine ivy, are divided into seven strands, and an octagonal frame arrow overcomes the second span.

The tower of the bell tower, erected in 1494, played a defensive role during the conflicts. Originally higher, it was surmounted by a drum and an arrow of stone flanked by four bell towers, destroyed in 1568 during the Wars of Religion. Rebuilt in wood frame in 1572, it was damaged again by a fire in 1738, before the bell towers were removed in 1841. The building, restored after the Hundred Years' War, preserves ancient elements such as a modillon cornice, testifying to its architectural evolution.

The church, classified as Historic Monument in 1971, has defensive elements such as murderers and a polygonal turret. The northern side door, with a gothic mess, and successive modifications reflect its adaptation to military and religious needs. Owned by the commune, it embodies the medieval and Renaissance heritage of Neuville-aux-Bois, in the Loiret.

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