Église Saint-Gilles de Malestroit, Historic church in Malestroit, France.
Église Saint-Gilles is a church in Malestroit with a distinctive double nave structure and two bell towers. Red sandstone walls mark the oldest sections of the building, while a second nave was added to the north of the first one.
The church began construction in 1144 and underwent major expansions during the 12th century. A second nave was added later in the 16th century, fundamentally changing the building's form.
The church displays sculptures of fantastic creatures and biblical symbols carved into its walls and pillars. Visitors can spot dragons, sphinxes, and animal figures representing the evangelists, which tell religious stories through stone.
The building is accessible on foot during daylight hours and the interior layout is easy to navigate. Visitors should allow time to examine the carvings and painted surfaces closely, as many details are positioned on columns and vaulting.
During restoration work in 2011, workers discovered previously unknown 13th-century paintings hidden beneath the vault of the church crossing. This find revealed artistic techniques and religious imagery from an earlier phase of the building.
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