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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre de Gesnes-le-Gandelin is a Catholic building located in the department of Sarthe, Pays de la Loire. Dating from the 13th and 16th centuries, it is characterized by a Latin cross architecture, with elements in red sandstone, granite and white limestone. Its bell tower, 28 meters high, is surmounted by two granite crosses decorated with crowned dragon heads. Inside, a 16th century carved wooden beam of glory, classified as a historical monument, represents a Crucifixion with 1.20 metre tall characters.

The bell tower, porch, transept and church choir have been listed as historical monuments since December 22, 1927. The ornamental paintings, made at the end of the 19th century under the direction of architect Auguste Ricordeau, imitate cut stones on walls and vaults. These decorations, executed on badigeon, may have been painted with oil. The church, owned by the commune, thus preserves architectural and artistic traces of several epochs.

The materials used, such as red sandstone for foothills and white limestone for vaults, reflect local resources and medieval and Renaissance construction techniques. The bell tower, of square section, is divided into four levels separated by russed larmiers, designed to avoid runoff. These architectural details, combined with the interior decorative elements, make the church a remarkable witness to the religious heritage of Sartho.

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