Description
The church of St Orens in Maubec has a huge bell tower of 34m.
The St Orens de Maubec church was listed as a historical monument in 1955 and classified in 1986.
The great originality of this church was the presence on the facade of an enormous bell tower-porch, about 34 m high, and exceptional in the region.
Octagonal in shape like that of Beaumont or Larrazet, this bell tower was destroyed by the Protestants during the sack of the Huguenots which took place in 1590.
Only the base remains, which currently serves as a porch.
The portal testifies to the reconstruction, it is in the Renaissance style, with the resumption of architectural elements from Antiquity, observe: the pilasters on each side, the triangular pediment above, the floral decoration with rosettes and the perfect symmetry.
Inside, the sculpted decoration is concentrated on the bases, also called lamp bases, which support the fallout from the vaults. You can see a decor: angels, animals, dragons and monsters, mermaids, explorers of the promised land or even a scallop shell which recalls the passage of pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela.
The electrification of the bells was the occasion of a moving discovery: three cannonballs dating very probably from the siege of 1590 are visible in the treasury chapel!
An exterior restoration was able to begin in 1993. We owe him the small triangular bell tower, pierced by three bell-shaped bays, which now stands out against the sky of Lomagne.
Spoken languages
- French
Opening
From 01/01 to 31/03
Opening hours on Tuesday between 9 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 5 pm. On Wednesday between 9 am and 12 pm. On Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm.
From 01/04 to 31/10, daily between 10 am and 6 pm.
From 01/11 to 31/12
Opening hours on Tuesday between 9 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 5 pm. On Wednesday between 9 am and 12 pm. On Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm.
Prices & payment
Free entry.
