Église Notre-Dame-la-Riche, Medieval church in Old Tours, France.
Église Notre-Dame-la-Riche is a medieval church in the Old Town of Tours featuring brick vaults, timber-frame construction, and limestone exterior walls. The building includes multiple portals and occupies a distinctive position along Rue Georges Courteline in the historic quarter.
The site originated in the 4th century when Saint Lidoire built a religious structure on a Christian burial ground. It was renamed Notre-Dame-la-Riche in 1141 and subsequently developed the medieval architectural features visible today.
Five statues depicting the Marriage of the Holy Virgin, created by sculptor Antoine Charpentier in the 17th century, adorn the interior and highlight the spiritual role this church held for local worshippers. These sculptures show how the community chose to celebrate their religious devotion through artistic expression.
The church is open daily and functions as an active parish church, so visitors may encounter services or restricted access during religious ceremonies. The main entrance is located at Rue Georges Courteline in the heart of the Old Town, making it easy to reach on foot from surrounding streets.
The interior holds 16th-century stained glass windows that have survived centuries of change and still cast colored light across the stone walls. On the north wall, relics of Saint Francis de Paule are displayed, drawing pilgrims who sought spiritual connection with this revered figure.
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