Construction of the Romanesque nave XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Nef and low side narrow, primitive style
XIVe ou XVe siècle
Addition of the Gothic choir
Addition of the Gothic choir XIVe ou XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Transept and chapels added later
1789-1799
Use as a common house
Use as a common house 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
During the French Revolution
vers 1830
Major renovations
Major renovations vers 1830 (≈ 1830)
Foundations, vaults, roofing and paving
1887
Restoration of the bell tower
Restoration of the bell tower 1887 (≈ 1887)
Revised bell tower carriage
1er février 1996
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1er février 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official building protection
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church (Box ZK 170): Order of 1 February 1996
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any specific historical actors
Origin and history
The 12th-century Saint-Symphorian Church in Neuville is a rare example of a primitive Romanesque building. Its nave and its sides, narrow and devoid of capitals or carved decoration, illustrate the characteristics of the emerging auvergnat Romanesque art. Wall surfaces dominate, reflecting a sober and massive architecture.
The Gothic-style choir and transept were later added, probably in the 14th or 15th centuries. The bell tower, adorned with geminied bays in full hanger, is typical of the churches of Livradois. The southwest tower, housing the steeple staircase, would have been added as an element of fortification at the same time. During the Revolution, the church served as a common house.
Major repairs were undertaken around 1830 to stabilize the foundations and the vault, as well as to restore the roof and paving. In 1887 the structure of the bell tower was restored. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1996, the church now belongs to the commune of Neuville.
Its hybrid architecture, combining primitive and Gothic novels, makes it a unique testimony to the evolution of styles in Auvergne. The nave, with its high and narrow sides, contrasts with the more worked choir, highlighting stylistic transitions between medieval periods.
