ATVG - Pierre MEYER

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GAVARNIE GOOD PORT

  • Sites and monuments
free

About us

A hospice of Templars or Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, intended to assist travelers passing through the port of Boucharo, is mentioned by sources from 1257 and 1270. This establishment, which became a hospital, had a chapel at the origin of the current parish church, which took the name of Notre-Dame du Bon Port from the XNUMXth century. It was at this time that the chapel may have been enlarged. Indeed, it seems that the northern part of the church is older (XNUMXth century). You can still see the old base of a tower that supported the old bell tower and the spiral staircase.
In modern times, the church underwent new developments such as the installation of a broken barrel vault and the installation of the Baroque altarpiece in the choir. The church has a gallery with side galleries.
In 1820, the remains of the old hospital could still be seen in the area around the church. The rigors of the climate are such that on this date the church collapses in the middle, causing the bell tower. An estimate was drawn up in 1823 for its quasi-reconstruction as well as the addition of a sacristy on the site of an old square building adjoining the sanctuary. The adjudication of works takes place in January 1826. During this time, the Sieur BELLOU of Gavarnie rents, for 200 francs per annum, a house which it has in the village to be used as church and provisional presbytery. Again collapsed for poor workmanship, the new construction of the church must be resumed after 1838. A new altar was put in place in 1842. In 1851, it was decided to rebuild the bell tower by reusing old solid masonry to the northeast of the church, which will allow the development of an additional chapel. The award was made in August 1854 but the work dragged on until 1878. The opening of a portal on the southern elevation and the awarding of a new gallery followed this work (1884).
In 1910, stained glass windows by Louis GESTA were installed. The roof has recently been restored.
Concerning the furniture of the church, the polychrome wooden statue of the Virgin and Child from the XNUMXth century, classified as a historical monument, is the only vestige of the medieval furniture of the church. The neo-Gothic altarpiece was installed in the XNUMXth century, against the eastern elevation, replacing an older baroque altarpiece contemporary with the two statuettes of pilgrims from the XNUMXth century which are now installed in the north chapel.
A new campaign to embellish the church seems to date from the second half of the XNUMXth century. The polychrome marble high altar, the altar step in marquetry and several polychrome wooden statues kept in the nave bear witness to this.
In 1710, one could admire numerous relics accumulated by the Hospitallers and of which the Grand Prior of Toulouse carried out the inventory. We would find, in the church, neither more nor less than: a vial of the Virgin's milk, a bone from the arm of Saint Laurent, wood from the cross of Jesus Christ, bread from the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, wood from Aaron's rod, stone from the table of the Last Supper, a bone from the skull and a tooth of Saint John the Baptist, bones from Saint Magdalene, iron from the grate of Saint Bartholomew and two healing sticks rage. Around 1800, (testimony of Ramond): one can see the skulls of 12 "Templars" (Knights of Malta) placed on a beam near the tribune. They are now installed in a display case at the back of the church, near the confessional.
A contemporary effigy of Saint-Jacques was recently installed.
The church is on one of the routes leading to Santiago de Compostela and is therefore classified as a World Heritage Site on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Sources: patrimoines.laregion.fr / loucrup65.fr

  • Theme(s):

    Church, Statue, Sacred art

Pratical information

Groups welcome
  • Coach parking Yes
  • Permanent free visit not
Individual reception
  • Permanent free visit not

Rates & payment

Admission fees

  • Free free

Contact & access

village
65120 GAVARNIE