Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Church of Notre-Dame de Ploujean, located in the municipality of Morlaix (Finistère), is a Catholic parish building dating back to the 11th century for the nave, while the choir dates from the 14th century. The western facade and bell tower, typical of the Beaumanoir style, were built in 1586 by Morlais architect Michel Borgne. The interior, covered, and the lower sides were restored in the 19th century, and the south porch redone in the early 20th century. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1914, it houses remarkable elements such as the work bench of Marshal Ferdinand Foch, owner of the nearby Manor House of Traonteuneuou.

The bell tower, 50 meters high, is surmounted by an arrow framed by four corner bell towers, while the west facade, flanked by foothills and Renaissance lanterns, is accompanied by a tower of cylindrical staircase. The interior features arches in full hanger resting on rectangular pillars in the nave, and broken arches on pillars with capitals in the choir. Between 1974 and 1982, the wall of the south porch was decorated with paintings depicting the four Evangelists, the Virgin with the Child and the Ecce Homo.

The church has a classified furniture, including a set of three electric flying bells (dated 1870 and 1936) and a manual bell of 1878 located in the bell tower above the diaphragm arch. After the storm of 1994, the upper part of the bell tower was restored in 1997. In 1977, liturgical changes were made, such as the destruction of the old sacristy and the reorientation of the high altar. The ossuary and the former adjacent cemetery, classified in 1951, complete this heritage complex.

The site is marked by various architectural interventions, reflecting its evolution throughout the centuries. The panel paintings, statues and the Baptistery are among the protected furniture elements. The church, owned by the commune, remains an active place of worship while being a major witness to the religious heritage of Breton, mixing medieval and renaissant influences.

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