Lampaul-Guimiliau Facts for Kids

The coat of arms for Lampaul-Guimiliau

Lampaul-Guimiliau (which is Lambaol-Gwimilio in Breton) is a small town in France. It is located in the beautiful Brittany region. This town is part of the Finistère department in the northwest of France. Lampaul-Guimiliau is known for its amazing old church and its unique religious art.

Exploring Lampaul-Guimiliau
- The Famous Church of Lampaul-Guimiliau
  - Church Architecture and Design
- Art and History Inside the Church
Images for kids
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Exploring Lampaul-Guimiliau

Lampaul-Guimiliau is a special place. It is famous for its historic church. This church is a great example of Breton religious architecture. It shows how people built and decorated churches long ago.

The Famous Church of Lampaul-Guimiliau

The church in Lampaul-Guimiliau is very old. It has many interesting parts. One of the most striking features is the calvary. This is a large stone sculpture. It shows scenes from the story of Jesus. The calvary stands tall in the churchyard. It is a powerful piece of art.

Church Architecture and Design

The church also has a tall belfry. This is a tower where bells are kept. The belfry is a key part of the church's look. You can also see a beautiful portal. This is the main entrance to the church. It often has detailed carvings. The church's design tells a lot about its history.

Art and History Inside the Church

Inside the church, there is even more to see. The nave is the main part of the church. The choir is where the singers sit. Both areas are filled with history.

Important Artworks and Sculptures

One special item is the Rood screen. This is a decorated screen. It separates the nave from the choir. It was built in the 16th century. There are also many beautiful statues. One shows the Deposition or Descent from the Cross. This art piece is from the 15th or 16th century. It shows Jesus being taken down from the cross.

Detailed Tableaus and Retables

Another important artwork is the Entombment tableau. This piece is from 1676. It was made by Antoine Chavagnac. It shows Christ with several important figures. These include Joseph of Arimathea and Mary Magdalene. The Virgin Mary is also shown. She is supported by John the Apostle.

The church also has several retables. A retable is a decorated screen or panel. It is placed behind an altar. One retable shows the Passion of Christ. It includes a scene of the Last Supper. Another retable is dedicated to St Margaret. She is shown stepping on a dragon. This saint is linked to pregnancy and childbirth. There is also a retable for John the Baptist.

Statues of Saints

You can find statues of many saints. One is Lawrence of Rome. He was a martyr from the 3rd century. Legend says he was roasted on a grid. Another statue is of St Pol. He is shown as a 17th-century bishop. There is also St Ives or Yves. He was a popular Breton saint from the 13th century. He is known for helping the poor.

The Baptistery and Banners

The church has a 17th-century Baroque baptistery. This is where baptisms take place. It has a beautiful canopy. The canopy shows the baptism of Christ. The pillars of the baptistery are polychrome. This means they are painted in many colors.

You can also see old banners in the church. There is a banner of the Virgin Mary. There are also banners of St Pol. These banners were used in religious processions.

Madonna and Child

A beautiful statue of the Madonna and Child is also present. This shows the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus. It is a common and beloved image in Christian art.

Images for kids

Historic dioceses of Brittany
The calvary that dominates the church yard of Lampaul-Guimiliau.
Belfry and portal.
The church and belfry.
Porch left side.
Porch right side.
Nave and choir.
Rood screen (sixteenth century).
Deposition or Descent from the Cross (15th or 16th century).
Detail of the Entombment tableau, 1676, by Antoine Chavagnac, showing Christ attended by Joseph of Arimathea, Salome, Mary Magdalene, the Virgin Mary supported by St John the Apostle, and Mary the Mother of James.
Retable of the Passion, with a representation of the Last Supper.
Retable of St Margaret (detail). St Margaret is shown trampling the dragon, which had previously swallowed her. She is the saint associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Retable of John the Baptist.
St Lawrence of Rome, a 3rd-century martyr, who, according to legend, was roasted on a grid.
Canopy of the 17th century Baroque baptistery, portraying the baptism of Christ.
Polychrome pillars of the baptistery.
Banner of the Virgin Mary.
Banner of St Pol.
Banner of St Pol.
St Pol, pictured anachronistically in the garb of a 17th-century bishop.
St Ives or Yves, associated with lawyers and a champion of the poor, a popular 13th century Breton saint.
Madonna and Child: the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus.