Commana Church

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After walking in Huelgoat we set off for Commana in yet another rain shower!

Rain in the Monts d'Arree
Rain in the Monts d’Arree

The Church at Commana was built in 1645, dedicated to a 14C Breton saint, St Derrien. This is one of the many Enclos Paroissial in Brittany and the first one I really saw, so not a very intelligent visit – more enclosures to follow with more information! All these churches have a porch, often with rich carvings….

The church porch, Commana
The church porch, Commana

Inside was a huge surprise – a barrel vaulted ceiling, painted blue, and richly decorated altars.

15-9-14 France Day 5 LR-7586

The north aisle has a retable of St Anne, dating to the 17C, with flanking statues – St Joachim (St Anne’s husband), and St Joseph.

The Retable of St Anne, Commana Church
The Retable of St Anne, Commana Church, 17C
The Retable of St Anne, Commana Church
The Retable of St Anne, Commana Church, 17C
St Joachim
St Joachim
St Joseph
St Joseph
Looking towards the Retable of the Five Wounds in the south aisle
Looking towards the Retable of the Five Wounds in the south aisle

The Calvaries are almost all astounding. This one, by Rolland Dorédates from 1624

Calvary by Rolland Dore
Calvary by Rolland Dore
Wedding at Commana Church, 1910 (Wikipedia)
Wedding at Commana Church, 1910 (Wikipedia)

The Church spire is not ‘solid’ – we were to find most of the spires in the parish enclosures are pierced in one way or another.

The Commana Church spire of 1592
The Commana Church spire of 1592

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Commana Church

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