Église Saint-Aignan de Brinay, church located in Cher, in France
Welcome to the Saint-Aignan Church, a Catholic church located in Brinay, in the Cher department of France. This guide will take you through the history and architecture of this beautiful church. The Saint-Aignan Church is a simple rectangular building with a choir of the same plan and a porch or caquetoir at the entrance. While it may not have any particular architectural features, what makes this church particularly interesting are its Romanesque murals discovered in the choir in 1911-1912. The flat wall of the apse is made up of small almost regular stones. It reveals two blocked windows that opened under a rounded arch, "formed of very thin keystones connected by wide joints, and were placed under an archivolt composed of small bricks, terminated on the right and left by the beginnings of a string course." The side walls appear younger but are covered with murals from the 12th century. This choir was a chapel built in the 11th century. To this chapel, the current nave was added in the 12th century. It is covered with a wooden barrel vault and lit by round-arched windows. It communicates with the choir through a rounded arch. The bell tower was added in the 17th century, and the bell bears the date 1685. The porch was built in the 19th century. The church's murals were discovered by André Humbert in 1912, and they depict various religious scenes from the Bible. They are considered some of the most significant examples of Romanesque art in France and are a must-see for anyone interested in art history. The Saint-Aignan Church has been classified as a historical monument since 1972, and it is open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors can attend mass or simply admire the beauty of the church's architecture and murals. In conclusion, the Saint-Aignan Church is a hidden gem in Brinay, France, that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and art of the Romanesque period. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful church and experience its unique charm for yourself.
Location: Brinay
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
Address: Le Bourg
Source: Wikimedia