FRUIT OF THOU

The church of Saint-Aignan de Thou, is a discrete building but full of history, typical of the small parishes of the Pays-Fort. A medieval origin (XIIIth century)

The present building finds its roots in the late 12th century or early 13th century. At that time, it served as a spiritual heart for this rural area located between the hills of Sancerrois and the plains of Sauldre.

Like many churches in the region, it has gone through centuries with important modifications:

Walled doors: By observing the exterior, we can still guess the location of several original doors that were walled, probably in the 19th century, to change traffic or strengthen the structure.

The 19th century bell tower: The most visible element today, the bell tower, is a relatively « recent » on a church scale. It was built in the 19th century during a large restoration campaign (circa 1875) to replace or add a larger bell tower on the façade.

Simplicity of Country-Fort: Architecture is sober, using local materials. It is a unique nave church, which gives it an intimate and serene atmosphere.

It is dedicated to Saint Aignan.

• The Choir: There is an interesting high altar. The interior decoration was often restored to the taste of the day during the restorations of the 19th century, when some of the benches and liturgical furniture were installed.

• The Statuary: As in many churches in the Pays-Fort, you can observe statues of saints especially honored in the region. Statues dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, St Joseph and the Child Jesus, St Eloi and St Antoine.

• The stained glass: Most of the stained glass windows date from the large restoration campaign of the late 19th century. stained glass dedicated to St Aignan (chevet) Notre Dame de Lourdes et Ste Bernadette, Ste Solange and St Firmin.