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 a famous saint called Hilary of Poitiers, who was known as Hilaire in French. This church is a special place because of its long history and beautiful architecture.
Contents
A Look at Its History
How Old Is This Church?
The Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand was built a very long time ago, starting in the 11th century. That means it's over 900 years old! It was officially opened and blessed in the year 1049. Imagine all the history this building has seen.
Challenges and Changes
Over the centuries, the church faced some tough times. It was damaged during the French Revolution, which happened in the late 1700s. But don't worry, it was carefully repaired and brought back to life in the second half of the 1800s. During this restoration, the church got a new main entrance, and parts of its central area, called the nave, were rebuilt.
Special Recognition
A Protected Landmark
Because of its historical importance, the church was given a special title in 1840. It was listed as a Monument historique, which means it's a protected historical building in France. This helps make sure it stays safe and preserved for future generations.
A World Heritage Site
In 1998, the Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand received an even bigger honor. It was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This means it's considered a place of outstanding value to all of humanity. It's part of a group of sites along the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France, which are old pilgrimage paths.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Hilario el Grande para niños
- History of medieval Arabic and Western European domes
