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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte de Castelnau-Rivière-Basse is a historical monument located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in the Occitan region. Former capital of Rivière Basse, the town belonged to the 13th century to the estate of the Counts of Armagnac. The present building, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, occupies part of the old castle. Its architecture reflects the defensive needs of the time, notably with its massive bell tower-poach, typical of the fortified churches of the Midi de la France during the Wars of Religion.

The church consists of three spans completed by a flat bedside. The first two spans are covered with barlong vaults, while the span of the choir and porch are vaulted with liernes and thirdrons. A 15th century chapel opens on the south side of the choir. The bell tower, topped by two rooms, houses the belfry and bells. Inside, 19th-century stencil paintings adorn the walls.

The building was listed as a Historic Monument by order of 26 September 1960. It is now owned by the commune of Castelnau-Rivière-Basse. Its architecture and history reflect the religious tensions and military adaptations of the region during the Renaissance.

The location of the church, at approximately 1 Rue du Comte d'Armagnac, is considered satisfactory a priori. The building remains a major architectural and historical testimony of the region, combining religious and defensive functions.

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