Church of St. Mary

Church of St. Mary is a Romanesque building located in Corneilla-de-Conflent with a wide central nave divided into four bays, side aisles separated by stone arcades, and a three-level bell tower. The structure sits at 556 meters (1,825 feet) elevation on a hillside above the village center.

The building first appears in written records in 1018 and became property of the Counts of Cerdagne in 1025 after an exchange involving their church in Escaro. This connection to local nobility reinforced its importance throughout the medieval period.

The west entrance features a carved tympanum showing the Virgin holding the Child, framed by pink marble columns from the local Conflent region with decorative patterns. These details show the craftsmanship valued in the Romanesque period.

The church sits on a slight rise above the village center and is reachable on foot, though the walk involves a gentle uphill slope. Approaching from the west side in the morning provides the best light for viewing the portal and exterior details.

The church walls contain defensive loopholes carved into the stone in the 14th century, revealing that the building served protective purposes beyond worship. Traces of a former bridge connecting to the nearby counts' castle remain visible on the exterior walls.

Location: Corneilla-de-Conflent

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Elevation above the sea: 556.2 m

GPS coordinates: 42.56639,2.38306

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23