EGLISE SAINT PIERRE ET SAINT PAUL - MONCE EN SAOSNOIS

A remarkable church built in the 12th century.

The Romanesque building was extended in 1542 to include a chapel and a side aisle. Fragments of stained glass windows depicting angels date from this period.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the church underwent a complete change of appearance thanks to the priest Bouteiller, who restored it and renewed its decor: construction of the sacristy, enlargement of the bays, purchase of baptismal fonts, pews and the choir altarpiece.

This imposing tufa altarpiece, by Joseph Coeffeteau of Mance, spans the side walls. The Nativity, placed in the centre of the apse, is a composition in the round, with life-size Joseph and Mary prostrate towards the Child, illuminated by a shaft of light in the vault. A whole group of saints, modelled in clay, move around this nativity.

At the end of the 18th century, Abbé Hamelin bought the organ (listed as a historic monument) and had the choir stalls built (listed as a historic monument).

In 1896, the building was restored and a new bell tower erected.

It's true that when you enter this church, you can't help but be surprised by the richness of its decorations.