Loire Valley Churches -
St.Anthony's Loches
The church of St. Anthony
(Saint-Antoine) in Loches has been in
the tourism spotlight since 2006
when two paintings were discovered
discarded in its organ loft. They were
identified on an inventory as original *'Caravaggio's
and reputed to be worth up to £50
million each.
The building you see
today dates from 1812, built from the
remains of the 'UrsulineConvent'
in the town which was largely destroyed
during the French Revolution. The old
dining hall was saved and eventually
used as a stable for police horses
before becoming the town's second church
to St.Ours. The
people of the town wanted somewhere that
was more accessible than the climb up
the hill.
It was however allowed to fall into
disrepair and it wasn't until 2009 before a
2 year restoration plan was put in place,
the results of which can be viewed today.
There is now a stunning church consisting of
a nave, choir and two side chapels.
There is one chapel dedicated to the sacred
heart and one to our Lady.
The stained glass windows
are again from our friends from the Lobin
factory of Tours.
The baptismal font shows a community
that obviously involves its children.
This is another church that might be
considered as a gallery due to the
artwork on display.
Where's Joan?
She's here beneath a portrait of Saint
Charles Borromeé, a former cardinal and
bishop of Milan (?).
*Loches
promotes itself as a 'Caravaggio town'
and they can be viewed in the church
where they were discovered in a newly
designed annex.
Blog-roll:
https://jimmcneill.wordpress
Bit of history here.
