Merghindeal Fortified Church

The Romanesque three-aisles basilica originated from the 13th century and was re-shaped through fortification systems in 1500. On the original tower-less church a strong dungeon with defence level was built on the western side and the square chancel was strengthened with walls in such a manner, that it was possible to build another defensive tower there. At the same time, the side aisles were heightened and the building became a hall church. The central nave and the aisles were covered with fine lierne ribbed vaults. In the course of this work the rectangular precincts wall with four corner towers were also built, possibly as a replacement for an older system. The fortified buildings erected in the 16th and 17th century were used in part as accommodation. The ensemble was completed in 1914 by the construction of the community hall on the southern side. The pre-reformation crucifix above the triumphal arch was created in 1425.

The 13th century Romanesque basilica was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century, after a new church had been built in the neighbouring precinct in the same time. Disregarding the canonical orientation, the construction was built on the NS direction, with the chancel northward and the bell tower southward. The fortification, which was constructed in the 15th century around the old church, was enforced by five defence towers and had an outer bailey. End of the 18th century the number of towers raised to seven, but only for a short time: just few years later a big part of the wall was demolished and the resulting material was used for the construction of several administrative buildings.
The interior furnishing of the church boasts a unitary neoclassical style. The original lining of the galleries is still preserved and it has the form of a shirred curtain.

The 13th century basilica, initially built without towers, was rebuilt and fortified two centuries later when the chancel was completed with a defence level on arches with loopholes. This level was to be removed in the 19th century. By heightening the aisles, the building became a hall church. The western potter’s tower is equipped with a parapet walk built in the timber frame technique. The ring wall was demolished, but the defence towers are preserved: the potter’s tower, the gate tower also called the cooper’s tower, the tailor’s tower, the smith’s tower and the cobbler’s tower. The techniques and details are impressive not only on the construction itself, but inside as well. The chancel boasts a well-preserved double winged altar from 1650, an artwork that echoes the pre-reformation Gothic winged altars.