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Origin and history

The Church of the Nativity of the Island of Arz was born in the Middle Ages, when Geoffroy Béranger, Duke of Brittany, offered in 1008 the southern half of the island to the monks of Saint-Gildas de Rhuys, who founded the Priory of Notre Dame. In 1033, his son Alain III established a second priory in the north, dependent on Saint-Georges Abbey in Rennes, creating tensions between the two communities. The present Romanesque church, built by the monks of St.Gildas, preserves elements of the twelfth century, as evidenced by the carved capitals and the columns of the transept.

The reshuffles followed over the centuries: inscriptions on the sandstones attested to work in 1396, 1412 and 1533. In the 17th century, the parish church of Ilur, in ruins, lost its status in favour of that of the priory, which was enlarged with a double transept and pierced bays. In 1844, the nave was extended westward, and the 15th century facade was moved. Ranked a historic monument in 1862, the building blends Romanesque, Gothic and modern styles.

The interior reveals a unique nave covered with frame, a five-sided bedside of the sixteenth century, and capitals with animal motifs characteristic of the years 1150-1170, influenced by poitevin art. The restorations of the 19th century (porch, baptismal chapel) and the 20th century (from 1965) complete its architectural history, reflecting its dual role as priory and parish church.

The site, owned by the municipality, illustrates the religious and social dynamics of the island, marked by conflicts between monks and inhabitants, as well as the continuous adaptation of the building to liturgical and community needs.

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