Saint-Hilaire Church

Melle, France

The church of Saint-Hilaire was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. The Romanesque church was built in the 12th century to the site of older wooden building.  

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Merry Michael (16 months ago)
Beautiful Romanesque church inside and out. The overhanging narthex gives an impressive image of the whole. Beautiful stained glass windows but the contemporary heart really spoils the whole thing, too bad.
Steph Grollier (2 years ago)
Top.
David Cameron (5 years ago)
Most unusual layout for a church, lower alter than entrance. Beautiful town. Very pretty architecture. Fascinating history.
francette livreau (6 years ago)
Reel
Peter Wilson (6 years ago)
A beautiful and historic old church set on the slope of a valley with a modern altar setting which is unusual. The landscape setting with a small river running through it is in a contemporary French style. There are one or two nice houses and gardens above the church that are good to look at. Cross the road below the church and walk back up to Melle through elegant old streets.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Chantilly

The Château de Chantilly comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses the Musée Condé. It is one of the finest art galleries in France and is open to the public.

The estate"s connection with the Montmorency family began in 1484. The first mansion (now replaced by the Grand Château) was built in 1528–1531 for the Constable Anne de Montmorency by Pierre Chambiges. The Petit Château was also built for him, around 1560, probably by Jean Bullant. In 1632, after the death of Henri II, it passed to the Grand Condé who inherited it through his mother, Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency.

Several interesting pieces of history are associated with the château during the 17th century.