Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Rennes-le-Château, Romanesque church in Rennes-le-Château, France.
Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Rennes-le-Château is a Romanesque church featuring a single nave and semi-circular apse decorated with Lombard bands. The floor displays black and white checkered tiles aligned toward cardinal directions.
The church originated in the 11th century as a chapel for the Counts of Razès. Starting in 1886, Father Bérenger Saunière undertook major renovations that transformed its interior and character.
The entrance features a holy water font held by a statue of Asmodeus, a figure with deep roots in religious symbolism. This unusual choice greets visitors at the threshold and sets the tone for what lies inside.
The interior can be explored on foot and is relatively easy to navigate due to its straightforward layout. Keep in mind this remains an active place of worship, so respectful behavior is expected when visiting.
The interior space is defined by a blue vaulted ceiling adorned with stars, working alongside stained glass windows created by Henri Feur. These windows incorporate symbols related to treasure, lending the space a mysterious character.
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