Church of Saint-Symphorien
![Western Gothic church in a small town](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image/public/images/2018-10/Cherreau_%C3%89glise%20Saint-Symphorien%20SAF_0.jpg?itok=u4yf4uPR)
The church of Saint-Symphorien was built in the fifteenth century in Cherreau, in the Pays de la Loire. The building has a western Gothic facade pierced with a portal decorated with sculptures. The nave (fifteenth century) is extended by a choir (eighteenth century) almost as long as it. The church is especially interesting for gable figures and gargoyles made by Gaullier (nineteenth century), six windows of the late sixteenth century, paneling (eighteenth century) and rich furniture.
About this building
Built on the site of a building first mentioned in 1330, the Saint-Symphorien church was built in the fifteenth century in Cherreau, in the Pays de la Loire. Built in the Gothic style, the building has a western facade pierced by a portal decorated with sculptures representing foliage and vines. Inside, the nave (XVth century) with the paneled vault is prolonged by a narrower choir (XVIIIe S.) It is closed by metalwork with the curvature of the eighteenth century and is paneled on a third of its height. The apse closes with a straight wall, pierced by a narrow window of late Gothic style.
Two side chapels (sixteenth century) are open on the nave. The first sub-bell tower forms a false transept, while the second is located north of the choir. In the nineteenth century the church was restored. The tower of the clock and the spire and decorative elements were also added at this time.
The church is especially interesting for gable figures and gargoyles made by Gaullier (nineteenth century), six windows from the late sixteenth century, paneling (eighteenth century) and rich furniture.
Placed in the nave, a statue represents Saint Gorgon, whose right hand is deformed. In the choir we can admire a fraternity chest (sixteenth century). The altar is decorated with sculptures on two sides. Also noteworthy are the paintings, the stalls and an 18th century communion table.