Church of Saint-Hilaire le Grand facts for kids
The Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand is a very old and important church located in the city of Poitiers, France. It is named after Hilary of Poitiers, a famous saint from long ago.
History of the Church
This church was built a very long time ago, in the 11th century. It was officially opened and dedicated in the year 1049. Over the centuries, the church has seen many changes.
During the French Revolution, a big historical event in France, the church was damaged. But don't worry, it was later fixed up! In the second half of the 19th century, the church went through a major restoration. This means it was carefully repaired and rebuilt. It even got a new main entrance, called a portal, and parts of its main hall, known as the nave, were reconstructed.
Important Recognition
The Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand is considered very special. In 1840, it was officially recognized as a Monument historique. This means it's a protected historical building in France.
Even more, in 1998, the church was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. UNESCO is an organization that helps protect important cultural and natural places around the world. The church is part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. These routes are ancient paths that pilgrims used to walk to a holy site in Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Hilario el Grande para niños
