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Origin and history

The church Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Villefranche-sur-Cher, located in the Loir-et-Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, was built in the 3rd quarter of the 12th century (circa 1150) under the auspices of the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean-de-Jérusalem. Integrated into a hospital commissionory, it was initially used as a chapel before becoming a parish after the disappearance of the former church next to the Revolution. Its original Latin cross plan, with apse in cul-de-four and two apsidioles, was modified over the centuries: the nave lost two spans in the 18th century, and a sacristy was added and destroyed around 1975.

The building bears the traces of several epochs: sculpted 12th century capitals and culs-de-lampe remain, while the vaults of the transept were rebuilt between the 15th and 16th centuries, with coats of arms of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany. In 1748, Commander A. de Thianges undertook major works (reconstruction of the west wall, repair of the bell tower and blankets). Classified as a historical monument in 1986, the church today preserves a Greek cross plan, witness to its turbulent history between religious vocation and hospital.

The church originally depended on the preceptory of the hospital of Saint-Jean-de-Jérusalem, a military and hospital order founded in the 11th century to welcome pilgrims and treat the sick. After the Revolution, it became the parish place of worship of Villefranche-sur-Cher. The successive restorations (notably in 1975 for the covers of the absidioles) aimed to preserve its Romanesque character, despite the transformations undergone. Its hexagonal bell tower, rare for the region, and its carved elements make it a remarkable example of the religious heritage of the Loire Valley.

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