Nestled atop the Crec'h Tanet hill, overlooking the charming town of Lannion in the Côtes-d'Armor department of France, stands the magnificent Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez (known locally as église de la Trinité de Brélévenez). This architectural gem, with its rich history and stunning design, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region's medieval past.
The origins of the Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez trace back to the late 12th century, with its construction believed to have commenced on the foundations of an even older 11th-century structure. The church's development began with the choir and crypt, followed by the nave. Despite the absence of detailed archival records, stylistic analysis provides valuable insights into the different phases of its construction and modifications.
The identity of the church's original patrons remains a mystery. It is speculated that the church may have been built by the Trinitarians, also known as the Mathurins, or possibly by the Knights Templar, who had holdings in the area. The presence of tombstones engraved with the Maltese cross and a sword support this theory. Another intriguing hypothesis suggests that the church was established by the Knights of the Order of Montjoie, with Brélévenez translating to Mount of Joy.
Throughout the centuries, the Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez underwent various transformations. In the 13th century, two lateral chapels were added, creating a false transept. The church's strategic location made it a target during the War of the Breton Succession in the 14th century, leading to its fortification by Olivier V, Constable of Clisson. These fortifications were later dismantled, and the church was restored to its religious function.
The church's bell tower was constructed in the 15th century, and the choir was remodeled in the 17th century to accommodate a grand baroque altarpiece commissioned by Count Pierre de Laval and his wife. In the 18th century, the church became the parish church, replacing the one in the village of Rusquet. The sacristy was rebuilt in 1845, and the church was classified as a historical monument in 1909. Extensive restoration work was carried out in the 1990s to preserve this architectural treasure.
The Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez is a stunning example of the transition between Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The church, which measures over 50 meters in length, features a Latin cross layout with a choir and a single axial chapel. The asymmetrical design of the two lateral chapels, constructed from the 13th century onwards, adds to the church's unique charm.
The exterior of the church is a captivating blend of materials, with pink granite from Yaudet used for the Romanesque sections and green schist from a nearby quarry for later additions. The most striking feature is the beautiful chevet, or eastern end, of the church, which dates back to the late 12th century. The chevet's pink granite construction, with its sculpted capitals, modillons, and narrow arched windows, reflects the influence of Saintongean architecture.
Another noteworthy exterior feature is the south porch, also dating from the late 12th century. Its intricate zigzag motifs and sculpted capitals showcase the craftsmanship of the period. The porch is flanked by two superimposed colonnettes, supporting masks and an archivolt. The south side of the church is adorned with Gothic windows, and the south transept features a flamboyant window relocated from the north chapel during the 1845 reconstruction of the sacristy.
The church's bell tower, constructed in the 15th century, is a prominent feature of the western façade. The tower's upper levels are adorned with trilobed arcades and an octagonal spire. The sacristy, rebuilt in 1845, lacks the architectural character of the older sections but is an integral part of the church's history.
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Stepping inside the Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez, visitors are greeted by the long nave, comprising 11 bays and leading directly to the choir. The nave's wooden ceiling, supported by sculpted beams, adds to the church's rustic charm. The nave's arches, resting on massive round pillars, create a sense of grandeur. Above the arches, a blind triforium with pointed arches runs along the nave and choir walls, adding to the architectural richness.
The church's side aisles feature ribbed vaults, renovated in the late 14th century, as evidenced by the heraldic symbols on the keystones. The slightly elevated choir, supported by a 12th-century crypt, is one of the oldest parts of the church. The crypt, remodeled in 1809, offers a glimpse into the church's ancient past. The choir is surrounded by a vaulted ambulatory with a single axial chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.
The lateral chapels, forming the transept, are also vaulted with ribbed arches, adding to the church's architectural complexity. The chapels house several baroque altarpieces, including the impressive 1660 altarpiece in the choir, adorned with black marble columns and a painting depicting the Trinity.
The Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez is home to several remarkable artifacts. The crypt houses a stunning 18th-century polychrome Entombment sculpture by the Guérin workshop, featuring life-sized figures carved from limestone. The church also boasts five classified altarpieces, including the grand baroque altarpiece in the choir and four others in the lateral chapels.
In the southern chapel, visitors can admire the Weaver's Altarpiece, framing a painting of Pentecost. The northern chapel houses altarpieces dedicated to Saint Giles and Saint Lupus, as well as the Confraternity of the Departed's altarpiece, adorned with skull motifs. The Mont Carmel Chapel features a stucco altarpiece depicting the Virgin Mary presenting the scapular to Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena.
In conclusion, the Église de la Trinité de Brélévenez is not just a historical monument but a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Lannion. Its walls tell stories of centuries gone by, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Whether you're drawn by its architectural splendor or its intriguing history, a visit to this remarkable church promises an unforgettable experience.
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