Our heritage Sundays: the imposing and bright Saint-Pierre church in Languidic

Built in 3 years, this magnificent church Neo-gothic from the end of the 19th century exudes a humility conducive to meditation.

First two churches

Languidic (Morbihan)) has existed as a parish at least since the 9th century, since its name is mentioned on a charter and was part of the diocese of Vannes from that time. A first church was built there around 1329, probably in the Romanesque style. This church was probably located in the center of the town at the time and was to replace a hermitage dependent on the abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys.

A second church began to be built in 1433 as evidenced by this date inscribed, in Gothic letters, on one of the beams and outside the building. Its construction lasted over several years and housed Romanesque parts which may suggest that some parts of the old could have been integrated. However, it did have all the characteristics of flamboyant Gothic and was surrounded by a small cemetery.

The new church

This second church was in danger of ruin and it was decided in 1874 to replace it. Arrived in 1875, the rector Le Bail was responsible for supervising the work according to the plans of the architect of the Maignan diocese. The destruction began at the beginning of the following year and the construction of the new one followed. The work was quick and the church was blessed on October 16, 1879 by Mgr Bécel, Bishop of Vannes who had already blessed the first stone 3 years earlier.

This church is neo-Gothic in the shape of a Latin cross. We notice from afar the multi-storey tower and its spire which culminates at 55 meters. The bell tower, which partially collapsed during work in 2000, was restored the following year. The building is imposing with its long aisled nave and has two rows of windows which illuminate the interior particularly well, especially since the transept has two large bays.

A bright interior

The interior is spacious and bright, with white walls, and encourages contemplation. The whole recently refreshed for the 140 years of the church testifies to the attention paid by the parishioners to this building which they constantly maintain. Most of the stained glass windows, of good quality, retrace the life of Saint Peter, the patron saint of the church. Note that those of the transept were changed in 1982, they represent the Genesis and the Apocalypse. See also, looking up, a 19th century marine ex-voto representing a three-master with 60 guns, the Queen of Heaven.

The side altars are dedicated to the Sacred Heart and to Saint Joseph, to the Blessed Virgin and to Saint Anne. Saint Peter is of course represented several times, notably in the set of statues of beautiful proportions which decorate the church. It is necessary to note the whole of the furniture uniformly out of wood of beautiful invoice perfectly maintained. Finally, it should be noted that a silver chalice from the 17th century and a pewter ciborium from the 18th century are classified as objects in the inventory of historical monuments.

Was this article helpful to you? Know that you can follow Actu Morbihan in the My Actu space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.