Guimiliau is named after Miliau, a Breton Prince who was assassinated at some point between 6C and 9C and subsequently canonised, and means the place or town of Miliau. We isited to see the Church, another of the remarkable Enclos Paroissials in the Élorn Valley. On the pretext that I needed to wrap some food around all the drugs I was taking we first enjoyed a wonderful galette!
The 16C Church is the usual complex of walled enclosure, Triumphal Archway, Calvary, Ossuary, and Church.
The Calvary is monumental and needs time to photograph and see all the c.200 figures carved, as usual, from granite.
The South Porch is elaborate, with apostles, curious Mediaeval carvings, and a Greek tympanum!
Inside the Church there was another vaulted ceiling, and wonderful wood carvings.
The Font or Baptistry has elaborately and wonderfully carved pillars, and dates from 1675. Birds and snails are enjoying the grapes, watched by a cheeky cherub.
There are interesting details on the outside of the building wherever you look.
You may be interested in
The Church at Guimiliau
Comments & observations on the Church at Guimiliau
Anne Guy
More great carvings and some fun cows too! By the way the Suffolk churches website you recommended is brilliant, we didn’t really go church hunting this time but will read up one ones we want to visit next time we are in Southwold
Candy Blackham
Thank you – I am pleased that I could pass on my enjoyment
Val
Just a jewel of a church~ so rich and multi layered with various period art work~ wonderful photos. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful place.