Church of Saint-Nicolas
Built in the sixteenth century, the church of Saint Nicolas de Géthary is characteristic of the labourdine churches of the Basque country. With its covered porch and steeple-pediment, the building presents, according to the Basque tradition, a choir and altar, largely raised, dominated by galleries that surround a single nave. The 1970 renovation highlights the altarpieces, the many statues dating from the seventeenth century, the painted decor of the beams and balustrades galleries.
About this building
Built in the 16th century, the church of Saint Nicolas, which is surrounded by a terraced cemetery, sits at the top of the village of Géthary. The church, characteristic of the Labourdines churches of the Basque country, was placed under the patronage of Saint Nicolas, Bishop of Mire in Asia Minor in the fourth century, who was a patron of children and also the patron of sailors and pilgrims.
With its covered porch and bell tower-pediment of grey stones, visible from far away at sea, the building presents to the visitor a sober and massive visage, which contrasts with its inner richness. Following the Basque tradition, the choir with the semicircular chevet and the altar, largely raised, are dominated by three levels of galleries that surround a single nave without transept or side chapel.
Rebuilt in the 17th century, then enlarged and enhanced in 1859, the building was renovated once more in 1970. Its lightened decoration highlights the altarpieces and the many statues dating from the 17th century, the decor painted beams of the frame, the sculptures, balustrades and galleries, as well as the Y support posts and organ installed in 1959. A witness of the maritime past of the village, an ex-voto, in the form of a ship, hangs over the nave.
