Ok so let go updating again this time in my neighboring dept 29 of Finistére in my lovely Bretagne. This is sort of another off the beaten path territory but worth the detour indeed. Let me tell you a bit more of the Church of Saint Démet in Plozévet!!
Ok so now not the usual Church or monument or even town, I move you down to the off the beaten path category. I love these places in my lovely Brittany. I take you now to the town of Plozévet. And again briefly mentioned in previous posts, I like to tell you more of my Brittany, the 3rd most visited region in France, being the No 1 visited country in the world! (UN-WTO).
Therefore, let me tell you a bit more on the Church of Saint Démet! Wait a minute, you know Plozévet ? ok so let me tell you a bit on it ok. Plozévet is located halfway between Quimper and Pointe du Raz, (see posts) in the country of Bigouden. Plozévet is part, together with nine other towns of the community of towns of the high country of Bigouden.
In town or around Plozévet ,they have found between 1882 and 1888 four menhirs stones, the Menhir de Kervinou, high of 1.5 meters, is implanted in the field but visible from the road to Menez Queldrec to Menez Kerlaeron; the menhir Fendu (split) , also said of the two twins, menhir Trapu, and the menhir de Lestrouguy , two dolmens, a megalithic open-air chamber, several tumulus, 68 objects in and within them such as daggers, armband of archer, pottery, vases, etc, not to mention the fluted stele with 25 well-eroded splines remained visible near the location of the missing covered driveway of the Penker and two others, located at the entrance of the Brénizénec mill yard, not in their original location. The meaning of these splines remains unknown. A Roman road departed from Pont l’Abbé to the Pointe du Raz passing through Plonéour, Tréogat, Pouldreuzic and Plozévet. They are also, several chapels.
Before the French revolution, Plozévet had an exceptional case in the region, neither castle nor Lord; the monarchical regime was present there by the rector, was the only authority present, both religious and political. This is the probable source of the local anticlericalism. Plozévet accepted a priest swearer to the new Constitution in 1791, which is exceptional in the region. On 14 January 1797, the 74-gun Droit de l’Homme vessel, which participated in the French revolution wars (first coalition), was stranded on a sandbank. The sinking of the Droits de l’Homme was the conclusion of a naval battle between a French line ship and two British frigates off the coast of Brittany during the wars of the French revolution.
Now,the feature monument in Plozévet, the Church of Saint Démet.
Parish Church of Saint-Démet at Place de l’église corner of rue d’Audienne is in form of a Latin cross, dedicated to Saint Démet. It is topped by a Gothic bell tower. The west façade is from the beginning of the 15C while the column line comes from an earlier church probably dating back to the 13C. The lower door to the west and the porch to the south are both ogive gothic style. The nave with its low-side dates from the very end of the 16C and is separated from the transept by a diaphragm arch. The Church of Saint Démet has elements of different eras, it has a rectangular Choir, a transept and a nave lined with a aisle. A diaphragm arch separates the nave with five arches of the transept, the nave being the oldest part 12C. The rest of the church, minus the bell tower, dates from the early 16C. The large porch is covered with an arch of stone warheads. The bell tower was rebuilt around 1793, but it retains its Gothic spire. The sacristy,dates from 1701.
The Church of Saint Démet ceiling are vaulted in wood under a frame of 1750. The high Altar and the transept are from the 18C. The ancient baptismal font shows a depiction of death and a demon mask. There are many statues adoring this Church of St Démet such as Saint Démet as Bishop, an ancient Pietà 15C, Saint Alar, late 16C. Saint John ,the Baptist, Saint Mathurin, Saint Corentin, Saint Michael, and Saint Charles,with several Virgins to the Child including one from the 17C, and another Pietà in front of the Altar of the right transept. Note that the stained glass of the bay of the Choir representing a passion done in 1957 is a very colorful work . The stained glass windows of the transept, with a lozenge motif, date from the mid-19C.
A quant lovely little town of the Finistére breton and a nice stop along the coast of the department. Lovely territory of course a car is king, but worth it if interested to know the real country of France.
The town of Plozévet on its heritage: http://commune.plozevet.free.fr/patrimoine.html
The Bigouden country area tourist office on the church: https://www.destination-paysbigouden.com/a-voir-a-faire/visites-patrimoine/eglise-saint-demet-1486394
There you gofolks, another nice monument and a great area to be naturally in Brittany off the beaten path. Hope you enjoy the post as we do ,in Bigouden country of Plozévet.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!
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