Church of Saint-Julien
The Church of Saint-Julien church is located in Saint-Julien-d'Arpaon, in Occitania. It was built in shale stone in the 12th century. It is remarkable for its architecture, that is characterised by its square choir and chevet. The beautiful Romanesque building is one of the few examples of the style found in Lozère. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the church suffered damage during the wars of religion, and in the Revolution. Visitors can still admire frescoes in the chapels.
About this building
The Church of Saint-Julien is located in Saint-Julien-d'Arpaon, in the Cévennes National Park, in Occitania. It was built from shale stone in the Romanesque style in the twelfth century, modelled on the basilica of Brioude. The history of this sanctuary pays tribute to the passage of the abbot of Chayla: he preached in the church on the 23rd of July, 1702 - a day before being murdered in Pont de Montvert. His death sparked the beginning of the revolt of the Camisards.
The church has a two span nave, a square choir with a flat chevet and a chapel on the south facade. This beautiful building is one of the few examples of Romanesque architecture found in Lozère.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the church suffered heavy damage during the wars of religion, then by the French Revolution. Restored in the 19th century, it became private property in the 20th century. It was maintained until 1950 and then abandoned.
Visitors can still admire frescoes in one of the side chapels, although due to damage to the roof and beautiful vault, structural damage to the building has caused to frescoes to deteriorate. The church covers the cemetery with its shadow, adding a touching charm to this scene, enabling the building to remain a centuries-old witness to a memory-rich past.
The location, overlooking the valley of Mimente which meanders into the distance, invites visitors to walk or quiet contemplation.
