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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Garraux, located in Bezins-Garraux in Haute-Garonne, is a small, unique nave building completed by a hemicycle apse, typical of Romanesque constructions. Its bell tower and lauze cover characterize its sober architecture. It probably dates from 1140 and marks its initial connection to the Benedictine priory of Saint-Béat. This period coincides with the presence of murals on the walls, made in the late twelfth or early thirteenth century, illustrating the monastic artistic influence of the period.

Major transformations took place in the 17th and 18th centuries: the abside was then murated and painted, a sacristy was added to the south wall, and a new window was pierced. These changes reflect the liturgical and aesthetic adaptations of modern times. The marble door of the north wall, dated 1823, attests to a later, more recent intervention, probably linked to local practical or symbolic needs.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 30 December 1955, the church now belongs to the municipality of Bezins-Garraux. Its present state thus combines primitive Romanesque elements, Gothic or classical additions, and traces of subsequent maintenance. Approximate location (map precision noted 5/10) and lack of details about its current accessibility, however, limit the precise knowledge of its contemporary use.

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