Église Saint-Herlé de Ploaré, church located in Finistère, in France
Église Saint-Herlé de Ploaré is a Gothic church in Douarnenez featuring pointed arches, ogival windows, and ornate carved details along its facade. The interior is defined by large wooden vaults and contains several side chapels, a 17th-century high altar, and modern stained glass windows created in 1954.
Construction of this church began around 1548 and was largely completed between 1551 and 1557, marking it as a mid-16th-century structure. The bell tower was struck by lightning in 1751, damaging two small turrets that were subsequently restored by craftsman Paul Le Favennec.
Saint-Herlé Church bears the name of its patron saint from Breton tradition. It remains an active gathering place for the local community, serving both religious celebrations and as a connection point to the region's spiritual heritage.
The church sits centrally in Douarnenez and is easily accessible on foot, with the main entrance positioned on the south side beneath a protective porch. The building remains active for worship services, so it is advisable to check opening times before visiting, especially if you wish to explore the interior spaces.
A lightning strike in 1751 damaged two small turrets on the bell tower, which were then restored by local craftsman Paul Le Favennec. The 1954 stained glass windows depict scenes of the preacher Michel Le Nobletz, who famously delivered many sermons within this church.
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