Église Saint-Laon de Thouars, Medieval church in central Thouars, France.
Église Saint-Laon de Thouars is a medieval church featuring a bell tower and southern gable with 12th-century architectural elements, while the interior nave showcases later ribbed vaults. The structure combines Romanesque components with modifications made during subsequent periods.
The building was constructed on the foundations of an 11th-century chapel that held the relics of Saint Laon. During the 15th century, the church underwent substantial reconstruction that shaped its present form.
The Baroque furnishings and the Chapel of Margaret of Scotland with painted fleur-de-lis motifs show artistic works from different periods. The interior reflects the religious meaning this place held for the community across the centuries.
The building stands at Place Saint-Laon next to the town hall and has been designated as a historical monument since 1988. Visitors can view the exterior and surroundings at any time, though access to the interior may depend on opening hours.
A hurricane in December 1711 destroyed the bell tower spire, permanently changing the church's external appearance. The lost spire is often overlooked but tells an important story about the building's past.
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