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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Symphorian Church of Witry-lès-Reims is a Gothic-style religious building, built mainly in the 12th century, with major modifications in the 19th century. Located in the department of La Marne, it is dedicated to Saint Symphorien and survived periods of partial destruction, especially during the First World War (1914-1915). Its bell tower, an emblematic element, is the only vestige of the original building after Abbé Dessailly's decision in 1893 to destroy the old church, with the exception of the tower.

The church, which had been undersized since 1774, was not enlarged until 1893, under the impetus of Abbé Dessailly. It suffered considerable damage during the First World War, before being classified as a historic monument on August 5, 1922. Today, only the bell tower enjoys this official protection, while the building remains a symbol of the architectural and religious heritage of the Champagne-Ardenne region (Great East).

The Saint-Symphorian church illustrates the architectural and historical evolution of French rural churches, marked by successive reconstructions and adaptations to the needs of local communities. Its history also reflects the upheavals linked to the conflicts of the twentieth century, which profoundly affected the built heritage of the Marne. The preservation of its bell tower, classified, recalls the importance of preserving the oldest elements of these monuments, witnesses of past times.

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