SHORT DAMPLE

FRANÇAIS ST PIERRE DE DAMPIERRE IN CROT

The Saint-Pierre church of Dampierre-en-Crot is a discrete but historic building, located in the heart of the Fort Country, in the Cher. Although the current building is largely the result of reconstructions in the 19th century, it retains traces of its medieval past.

Medieval origins: The parish has existed since the 10th century, and the present church dates from the 13th century. It initially depended on the Abbey of Saint Sulpice in Bourges.

Major reconstruction (1858-1859): The church was almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century by the architect Hippolyte Blondel. This project was motivated by the widening of the adjacent road, which led to a change in direction of the building.

Style: Today it presents an eclectic style with a neogothic tendency.

The bell tower: It is one of the oldest preserved elements. Its angles are made of Vailly black sandstone, while the entrance gate uses the white stone of Sancerre, creating a visual contrast typical of the region.

Inversion of the choir: Unusual fact, the original choir (located to the east according to tradition) was removed to create the current porch opening on the street, and the new choir was moved to the opposite.

The interior decor: There are neogothic murals made by students of the Ingres and a painted vault.

Outstanding items to see

The statue of Saint Peter: A stone work dating back to the 15th century.

The work bench (1733): Decorated with two intertwined keys, attributes of Saint Peter.

The reliquary of the Duke of Luynes: A pillar on the right when entering contains the left hand of Charles-Louis d'Albert, Duke of Luynes (1717-1771), as a testimony of his generosity towards the inhabitants.

The funerary chapel: The chapel is furnished by architects Charles Garnier (conceptor of the Paris Opera) and Joseph-Frédéric Debacq and houses a necropolis for the Luynes family.