Église Sainte-Bernadette du Banlay, Brutalist church in Nevers, France
The church structure features two interlocking concrete shells that shift along a longitudinal axis, creating an irregular hexagonal floor plan with angular walls.
Architects Claude Parent and Paul Virilio constructed this religious building between 1964 and 1965 following a competition initiated by Monseigneur Vial and Abbé Bourgoin.
The building received recognition as a Monument Historique in 2000 and obtained the Patrimoine du XXe siècle label in 2005 for its architectural merit.
Sunday masses take place at 10:30 AM on the first Sunday of each month, with public visits organized during summer months for architectural exploration.
The interior design features two large oblique planes forming the nave and chancel, with zenithal lighting creating specific illumination patterns through concrete surfaces.
Location: Nevers
Architects: Claude Parent, Paul Virilio
Architectural style: brutalist architecture
Address: 23 rue du Claude Parent - Banlay
GPS coordinates: 47.00290,3.15706
Latest update: July 24, 2025 11:45
Concrete churches from different countries show the architectural evolution of the 20th century. These structures combine geometric forms with modernist designs and use light as a design element. The buildings demonstrate the technical capabilities of concrete as a construction material for religious spaces.
The historical and religious monuments of Nevers reflect its ducal and religious past. The city features varied architecture from the 11th to the 20th century, including the Gothic Ducal Palace, the cathedral with two choirs, Romanesque and modern churches, as well as museums displaying local faience. The medieval fortifications and green spaces complement this architectural heritage.
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