Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Fontaines-en-Sologne, built mainly in the 13th century, bears witness to an angeline architectural influence. Only the first two spans of the nave were thoroughly redesigned in the 15th century, while the structure of the choir, probably dating from the origin of the building, was preserved. The third span of the nave is surmounted by an eight-ribed octagonal dome, supporting the bell tower. A defensive system was added in the sixteenth century in the depths, reflecting the tensions of the era. It should be noted that the lower level of the west facade, a vestige of the twelfth century, recalls that the building once belonged to Pontlevoy Abbey (mentioned in 1144).

In the 19th century, the church underwent major restorations, notably in 1892 under the direction of Jules Grenouillot. Unfortunately, these works erased the murals of the 16th and 17th centuries, once present in the building. The bell tower, rebuilt between 1610 and 1614, and the 15th century southern chapels (destroyed in 1804) illustrate the successive transformations of the monument. Ranked a Historical Monument in 1910, the church today retains remarkable medieval elements, despite the disappearance of certain decorations.

The building thus combines Romanesque traces (west facade), a dominant Gothic structure (nave and 13th century choir), and defensive or decorative additions. Its history reflects the religious, military and artistic evolutions of the Sologne, between the Middle Ages and the modern era. The accuracy of its location (place de l'Église) and its classification make it a protected local heritage, anchored in the landscape of the Loir-et-Cher.

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