Chateau Marcel

Chateau Marcel

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The Church of Saint-Géniès

Like most Gothic buildings in Languedoc, the building consists of a single nave with side chapels built between the buttresses and a polygonal choir. A fairly simple bell tower rises at the southwest corner of the nave. The entire building has stone vaults and carved keystones. One of the side chapels, to the north, is covered with a liernes vault with similarly carved keystones. Externally, the building is constructed of rubble stone with cut stone used for the arches and mullions of the windows and the corners of the buttresses.

Architecture and style

  • The church is in the Southern Gothic style. It has a single nave with side chapels between the buttresses and a polygonal choir (or radiating apse).
  • The bell tower, which is a crenellated tower, is a remnant of the earlier Romanesque church. It was part of the village fortifications.
  • The gate is Renaissance in style, protected by a ribbed vaulted porch, and dates from the 16th century.

History

During the Hundred Years’ War, the village was ravaged by the Routiers, and the church of Saint-Géniès was partially or severely destroyed.

The current church was rebuilt in the 15th century after being destroyed by the Routiers (medieval bandits and looters).

Before that, it existed in an earlier, Romanesque form, of which the bell tower remains.

Furniture and notable features

Among the protected or noteworthy objects are paintings (e.g., The Baptism of Christ), altarpieces, bells, etc.

The interior furnishings are a mixture: many items date from the 19th century, but some carved objects are older, probably from the 16th century.

Timeline of the Church of Saint-Géniès (Cesseras, Hérault)

🏛️ Romanesque period (11th–12th centuries)

  • Construction of the first church in Cesseras, dedicated to Saint Génies (or Genès d’Arles).
  • It is in the Languedoc Romanesque style, probably with a single nave.
  • The bell tower, still visible today, dates from this period.
  • → It also served as a watchtower integrated into the village’s defensive system..

⚔️ 14th century – The Hundred Years’ War

  • The Routiers (armed bands of mercenaries) ravage the Minervois region.
  • The church is severely damaged or partially destroyed.
  • The village fortifies its walls, and the bell tower becomes a defensive element.

🕍 15th century – Reconstruction

  • The church was rebuilt in the southern Gothic style typical of Languedoc.
  • A single nave and side chapels were added between the buttresses.
  • The polygonal choir (apse with sides) was built, bringing in light.
  • This reconstruction marked the spiritual and urban rebirth of the village after the wars.

🌿 16th century – Renaissance

  • The current portal was added: Renaissance style, decorated and protected by a ribbed vaulted porch.
  • This was a period of relative prosperity before the Wars of Religion.
  • The church now houses several family chapels, financed by local dignitaries.

⚖️ 16th–17th centuries – Wars of Religion

  • The region is divided between Catholics and Protestants.
  • The church serves as a rallying point for Catholics in the area.
  • It suffers further damage during the clashes around Cesseras and Azillanet (1591).

⛪ 18th–19th centuries

  • Periods of successive restoration after the French Revolution.
  • Interior elements (altars, statues, paintings) date from the 19th century.
  • The main bell bears the date 1826 (inscription visible in local archives).

🏅 20th century

  • The church was listed as a Historic Monument on March 6, 1933.
  • Exterior restoration work was carried out in the 1960s (roof, buttresses, stained glass windows).
  • Preservation of stained glass windows and antique furniture.

🙏 21st century

  • The church remains the heart of the village of Cesseras:
    • It is still used for services and ceremonies.
    • It is part of the Pays Minervois-Caroux heritage trail.
    • The local heritage preservation association is responsible for its upkeep..
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