Église Sainte-Benoite de Craonnelle, Catholic church in Craonnelle, France.
Église Sainte-Benoite de Craonnelle is a stone church built with a Latin cross plan comprising three aisles, each extending three bays in length. An octagonal-roofed bell tower marks the structure's center.
The church sustained severe damage from bombing during the First World War in 1916 and 1917, requiring complete reconstruction afterward. Work to rebuild the structure was finished in November 1931.
The entrance portal faces the castle, giving the local gentry direct access to worship without passing through the village streets. This arrangement reflected the social divisions of the time through architectural choices.
The church remains active as a Catholic worship space under the Diocese of Soissons and welcomes visitors. Check locally for opening times, as access may vary depending on services and community events.
The exterior features varied cornice details, chevron-style gables, and a rounded tympanum decorated with diamond-point patterns. These decorative elements give the rebuilt structure a distinctive character.
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