Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais de Persac, mentioned in 1097, is a religious building whose major construction dates back to the 1st quarter of the 14th century. His bell tower, erected in 1315, bears an inscription attesting to his realization under the impulse of Pierre Brunet, pastor of the time. This bell tower, an emblematic element, was classified as Historic Monument by decree of 17 April 1935, emphasizing its heritage importance.

Over the centuries, the church has undergone several notable changes. In 1706 repairs were ordered by René de Mauveise, Lord of Villars, to preserve the building. A major overhaul took place in 1860 under the direction of Abbé Chauvin, parish priest: the choir, originally located in the east, was moved to the west, reversing the traditional orientation of the church. This period also saw the installation of new bells, marking an important step in its architectural history.

The church, owned by the municipality of Persac (code Insee 86190), illustrates the evolution of local religious and architectural practices. Its term, dedicated to the saints Gervais and Protais, martyrs of the second century, reflects an ancient liturgical tradition. Although partially transformed, its structure preserves traces of its medieval past, notably through its bell tower, a witness of regional Gothic art.

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