Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Church of Saint-Germé d'Ilhan is a Catholic church located at the eastern end of the hamlet of Ilhan, a former commune attached to Bordères-Louron in 1792. Its typical architecture of the valleys of Louron and Aure combines a unique Romanesque nave extended by a semi-circular apse and a bell tower-wall pierced by a gemine bay. Inside, wall paintings from the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries illustrate episodes of the life of the Virgin, such as the Annunciation, the Visitation and the Assumption.

From Romanesque origin (XIIth century), the building was profoundly renovated in the 16th century: a side gothic chapel was added to the north, vaulted dogives, and the south gate was enlarged. These works were accompanied by decorations painted in the choir and nave, of which remains remain. A bedside bay dates from 1652, suggesting further developments, while sacristy probably dates from the 18th century. Before the Revolution, the church was an annex to Lançon's cure.

Classified as a historical monument on 16 February 1989, the church now belongs to the commune of Bordères-Louron. Its covering panel, ogival vaults and superimposed paintings testify to its architectural and artistic evolution, reflecting almost five centuries of religious and local history. The accuracy of its location is estimated at 6/10 depending on available sources.

External links