Timeline

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame des Barils, located in the centre of the village of Barils in the department of Eure, depends on the Catholic parish of "Sainte Marie du Pays de Verneuil" within the diocese of Évreux. Its history dates back to the 12th century, as can be seen from a few remains of masonry in a graze and a flat buttress still visible today. These elements constitute the only remains of the original building, marked by medieval architecture typical of Normandy.

The entrance door to the church, dating from the 14th century, is another notable vestige of this ancient period. However, the building suffered a devastating fire in 1807, caused by lightning, which led to its almost total destruction. The following reconstruction is an opportunity for a complete overhaul of the church. The square bell tower, erected in 1847 in front of the porch, becomes one of the emblematic elements of this new structure, topped by a polygonal arrow.

The present church presents a rectangular plan with a choir in retreat, oriented on an east-west axis, a classic arrangement for Norman churches. Outside, in front of the entrance, a sandstone funerary slab decorated with a cross, dating from the 16th or 17th century, recalls the funeral use of the building at that time. A similar second slab, located inside the tower, as well as a triptych painted with oil on wood depicting Christ surrounded by St.Peter and St.Paul, testify to the artistic and religious richness of past centuries.

The 16th century baptismal fonts, located near the triptych, as well as the numerous statues of saints (saint Antoine de Padua, the Virgin with the Child, Saint Barbe, etc.) and tomb-shaped retables, illustrate the importance of the building as a place of worship and devotion. The main altarpiece, decorated with statuettes and a painting depicting the Immaculate Conception, highlights the church's central role in the spiritual life of the local community.

Today, the Church of Notre-Dame des Barils remains an architectural and historical witness to the transformations of religious buildings in Normandy, between medieval heritage and modern reconstructions. Its bell tower, funerary slabs and works of art make it a place full of memory, reflecting both local traditions and stylistic evolutions over the centuries.

External links