Exterior of Église Saint-Nonna de Penmarc'h, Gothic church in Penmarch, France.
Église Saint-Nonna de Penmarc'h is a Gothic church with a three-aisled nave supported by octagonal pillars and pointed arches across five sections. The choir is polygonal and the exterior facade displays detailed stonework with sculptural figures.
The church was founded in 1508 when the region flourished through fishing and maritime trade. It received official recognition as a historical monument in 1862, securing its protection for future generations.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nonna and features maritime carvings throughout that reflect the fishing community who built it. These sculptures tell of the connection between the people and the sea that shaped their daily work and prosperity.
You can reach the exterior on foot through the center of Penmarc'h and view it anytime during daylight. Morning light works best for seeing the details and sculptures clearly, especially on the western and northern sides.
Four ship carvings appear inside and fourteen outside the building, documenting how ships were built from the 15th to 16th centuries. These stone records form a rare visual record of local shipbuilding evolution carved into the architecture itself.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
