Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The parish enclosures of Commana, located in Finistère, is a major architectural complex of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, classified as a historical monument in 1915. It consists of the church of Saint-Derrian, an ossuary (1677–87), two calvaries (1585 and 1624), an arc of triumph, and a Renaissance porch (1645–53). The church, dedicated to Saint Derrian, a hermit of the fourth century, was rebuilt from 1592, with a glazed nave and a 57-metre bell tower overlooking the Arrée Mountains. His furniture includes baroque altarpieces, including that of Saint Anne (1682), attributed to the shipyards of Brest.

The south porch, built in three stages (1645, 1650, 1653), has a Renaissance facade with a fluted columns and a pediment surmounted by a lantern. Inside, twelve niches form a "honour hedge" leading to doors. The steeple, austere and imposing, rests on eight foothills and bears the date of 1592 at its base. The sacristy (1701) and the baptismal fonts (1656–183), decorated with cardinal and theologal virtues, complete this harmonious ensemble.

The baroque altarpieces are masterpieces of the church. The one of Saint Anne (6.20 m x 8 m), with its twisted columns and golden sculptures by Pierre de Lesmeur (1691), dominates the north nave. The retables of the Rosary and the Cinq-Plaies (1852, restored in 1977–1979) reproduce the same architectural pattern, evoking the bow figures of Breton ships. A contemporary bas-relief (1993) by Bertrand Menguy, representing the Crucifixion, contrasts with this historical decor.

Lossuary (1677–87), sober and stripped, has only one door and four benign windows, decorated with carved crosses and dragons. The two calvaries, dated 1585 (cross replaced in 1742) and 1624 (work by Roland Doré), punctuate the enclosures. The triumphal arch, once closed by a 17th century grid, served as a solemn entrance for the processions of weddings or burials.

The local legend links the church to Saint Derrian, the savior of Prince Elorn drowned, who demanded in thanks the building of the place of worship. The archives attest to a pre-16th century building, but the major reconstruction campaign began in 1592, with additions until the 18th century. The enclosure, symbol of Breton piety, reflects religious art and the community organization of the modern era.

External links