Enclos paroissial de Ploudiry

Please note: the church is currently undergoing works and is closed to the public. Now a small rural commune, the parish of Ploudiry was, until the Revolution, the largest and one of the richest in the Léon region (80 km²). The parish enclosure, imposing in size, was constantly embellished during this prosperous economic period, when religious fervour led to the construction of one of the most beautiful ensembles in the Léon region. The ossuary (1635, rebuilt in 1731), listed as a historic monument, was used to house the bones previously buried in the church. The faithful could then sprinkle them with holy water through the niches (which had no windows at the time). The angel on the holy water stoup (1635) says: "Bonnes gentz qui par icy passent, priez Dieu pour les Trépassez". As elsewhere, death was very much on people's minds at a time when epidemics were raging. The frieze in the ossuary depicts people of various qualities on equal terms in the face of death (personified by the Ankou). This legendary figure in Breton beliefs can be found on many of the parish enclosures in the area. The south porch of the church (1685) is impressive for its magnificence, the finesse of its carvings and the originality of its decoration. The interior of the church (rebuilt in 1700 and its bell tower in 1854) features some magnificent works, such as the altarpieces and the preaching chair. Nearby: Fountain and Saint-Antoine chapel. Guided tours available with the APEVE association (booking required).