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Origin and history

Saint-Pierre du Castellet Church, dedicated to Saint Peter, is a Romanesque building located in the village of Castellet, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Its construction dates back to 1178 with an initial chapel, enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries to respond to population growth. The main gate, dated 1622, retains a typical Romanesque arching, while the older side door comes from the 12th century chapel reused during extensions.

In the 19th century, a side bell tower was added in 1854, equipped with a clock without a dial ringing the hours. It was only in the 20th century that it received two dials, one to the south and the other to the west. The church underwent several major restorations: in 1956 (replacement of the sheet roof), in 1985 (roof in fibrocement and Romanesque tiles), and in 1995, where a complete restoration revealed two openings closed in the choir, equipped with stained glass windows. The sacristy, unusable since 1743 after a storm, was cleared, and the walls, vaults and floors were completely renovated. Unfortunately, the sundial of 1770, drawn on the facade, was accidentally covered during this work.

The architecture of the church combines elements from different periods, united by a stone masonry of Rancury and mortar with lime. The original 12th century chapel was enlarged to accommodate a growing population, as evidenced by the date of 1622 engraved above the door. Construction materials and techniques reflect local resources and medieval know-how, adapted to the liturgical and community needs of the village.

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