Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Valérien church of Châteaudun, classified as a Historical Monument since 1907, illustrates three major architectural periods: the 12th century Romanesque choir, the 13th century vaulted nave, and a side chapel added to the 16th century. Its rectangular plan, composed of eight spans with bottoms, reveals pillars without capitals and sexpartite vaults carried by alternate columns. The bell tower, erected on the south side, is characterized by a stone arrow adorned with carved hooks, while a 13th century gate, with arches and trilobed tympanum, marks the south entrance.

The windows of the bedside bays (first half of the 16th century), damaged during the Franco-German war of 1870, were restored in 1904 by the Lorin de Chartres workshops. These glass windows, classified as Historical Monuments, are alongside remains of 15th century wall paintings on the west wall. The church also houses remarkable works, such as a Descent of the Cross attributed to Quentin Varin (circa 1575–26), classified in 2014, as well as 17th-century canvases from Saint-Avit-les-Guêpières Abbey, representing Saint Catherine and Saint John the Baptist.

The statuary includes figures of Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Martin of Tours, reflecting the local religious heritage. Integrated into the parish of Saint Aventin in Dunois, the church depends on the Dean of Dunois. Its architecture thus combines medieval heritage, Renaissance, and defensive elements, testifying to its central role in the spiritual and community life of Châteaudun throughout the centuries.

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