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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Laure-Minervois, located in the Aude department in the Occitanie region, is a remarkable example of southern Gothic architecture from the early 14th century. Built in a single countryside in the first half of the 14th century, it is distinguished by its unique nave of five spans, initially carpented, and its apse with seven arched sides of eight-branched warheads. The bell tower, erected on the northern sacristy, is accessible by a spiral staircase, while the two sacristies, also vaulted with warheads, date from the same period as the church. The bedside windows, composed of trilobed lancettes and tinted fillings, contrast with the simple lancettes of other bays.

The building, attached to the Abbey of Caunes in 1236 before its reconstruction, was modified over the centuries. Two side chapels were added after its completion: two to the south and four to the north. Repairs took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, while in 1853, the old bell tower and the western vestibule were demolished. In 1872, the nave was equipped with a false arch of warheads, and the western facade was rebuilt with a new portal and a rose under a arch in the middle of the hangar. The bedside windows were restored in 1876. The church, owned by the commune, has been listed as historical monuments since 2006.

The church Saint-Jean-Baptiste illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the medieval Minervois. Its sculpted decoration, such as the arch key decorated with the Agnus Dei or the foliage capitals, reflects local Gothic art. The transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries bear witness to liturgical and aesthetic adaptations, while preserving its historical character. Its inscription in 2006 highlights its heritage value in the Audian religious landscape.

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