The Protestant Church of Saumur symbolizes a distinct chapter in the history of the city of Saumur, which was considered the political capital of Protestantism at the beginning of the 17th century.
Site History
In 1589, the city of Saumur became a stronghold of Protestantism following the rapprochement between Kings Henry III and Henry IV. Protestant places of worship have had a complicated history in France, and Saumur is no exception. A building of worship was destroyed in 1590 during the construction of the citadel. In 1593, another Protestant church was built near the city center. Inaugurated by Henry IV, it was razed in 1685 following the prohibition of Protestantism.
The Napoleonic Organic Articles of 1802 again authorized Protestant worship in France. The Protestant community of Saumur, which was reformed with the help of the English of Anjou, entrusted the architect Charles Joly-Leterme with the construction of a new church a few meters from the old one. Inspired by ancient Greek temples, the Protestant Church of Saumur was completed in 1844. The interior of the building was completed 10 years later. Its architecture and decor are simple, in keeping with Protestant values.
About the Project
The restoration work concerns the upper levels of the church, both interior and exterior, including reopening of the cross-shaped bay, restoration of woodwork and the organ gallery, preservation of the painted decorations, and restoration of the existing railings and ironwork. Work will begin in the spring of 2021 and be completed in 2023.
Église Protestante de Saumur Today
This Protestant church is unique in the Maine-et-Loire department, both for its history and for its architecture. Emblematic of a defining chapter in Saumur’s history, it speaks to the city’s identity as a Huguenot stronghold in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In addition to regularly welcoming worshippers from Angers and Cholet, the church is an integral part of the city’s tourist circuit. An exhibition on the history of Protestantism is planned.
