Saint Thibaut Church of Flagy en Saône-et-Loire

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Thibault de Flagy, located in the department of Saône-et-Loire in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, is an emblematic building of the Clunisois. Although never listed or listed in the Historic Monuments, its heritage importance was emphasized in 1912 by the Académie de Mâcon, which had included it in a list of 12 monuments to be protected as a matter of priority, especially for its 13th century bell tower deemed at risk. The latter, in Lombard Romanesque style, actually dates from the 12th century, making it one of the oldest elements of the building.

The nave and apse of the church were demolished in 1822 to allow an expansion, financed in part by the munificence of King Louis XVIII, as evidenced by a commemorative plaque inside. The present gable façade with a triangular pediment was built in 1824. It is distinguished by an eye-of-beef in the upper part and a door in full hanger framed by a decorative chainage. The cemetery, surrounded by a stone wall, always surrounds the apse, recalling the central role of the church in community life.

Inside, the building houses two side altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Thibault, patron of the church and the village. Among the remarkable elements are the sculptures of the pulpit to be preached and the confessional, as well as a statue of Saint Thibault. Although partially rebuilt, the church remains an active Catholic place of worship, attached to the diocese of Autun and the parish of Saint-Augustin-en-Nord-Clunisois, whose seat is in Ameugny.

The church thus illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of a rural building, marked by major transformations in the nineteenth century while preserving traces of its medieval origin. Its history also reflects the challenges of preserving the local heritage, as evidenced by the alarm launched by the Academy of Macon at the beginning of the 20th century, without leading to official protection.

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