The church of Castelnau-Magnoac listed as a Historical Monument was built around 1474. It is in the late Gothic style. Its monumental bell tower in stone of the country had a defensive purpose and constituted an element of the fortifications of the medieval city. Of simple plan (wide nave flanked on each side by two lateral chapels), it houses a magnificent baroque altarpiece. The decoration of the walls and the vault (under restoration) is a homogeneous example of the 19th century. Very soon after its construction, the church took the title of collegiate: a chapter (or college) of canons was installed there. Witnesses of this time, we will notice in the choir, 12 stalls of Renaissance style intended for the canons. Turn your attention to the "mercies", these beautifully carved seat-like seats. At the back of the church, above the large portal, we discover the organ, classified as a "historical monument". It is an exceptional instrument for its sound. Its composition, little modified since its creation (12 of the 19 period stops) makes it an authentic witness to the organ building of the 18th century and to the art of a famous organ builder: Dom Bedos de Celles, a Benedictine monk, both organist, organ builder, theorist, mathematician, surveyor... , a true spirit of the Enlightenment. Informations Free.

Address
Pl. de l'Église Collégiale, 65230 Castelnau-Magnoac, Hautes-Pyrénées, Occitanie, France