13.The parish closes

France

Among the jewels of Breton architecture, the parish enclosures give a good demonstration of the fervor of the Breton Christianity.

A wall protects a coherent architectural complex consisting of a church in granite, of a triumphal porch, a sacristy and an ossuary. The whole is dominated by a crucifix adorned with carved figures. A unique concept in Europe.

It is the local aristocracy, composed of wealthy merchants who, between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, supervised these works. These sets blooming here and there beauty rivaled. Healthy competition which allowed the expression of wealth and expertise of artisans, famous or anonymous, who brought them to the building: sculptors, carpenters, glaziers, painters ...

Come to the heart of the Pays du Léon (Finistere North). Mass is said in Saint-Thegonnec, Lampaul-Guimiliau, Guimiliau, The Martyr, La Roche-Maurice and Sizun. 3 circuits of 50 to 70 km each crisscross the country Leon.