Unlike the neighbouring cathedral, the church of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Blois is anything but stark. From its flamboyant exterior to its richly decorated interior it is perhaps a result of the Catholic Church's 'Counter- reformation' of the 17th century.
The church elaborate altarpiece was created in 1670
by scultor and wood carver Gaspard Imbert.
The main centrepiece of the altar contains the"apparition of the Virgin"which replaced a painting which was probably stolen during the Revolution. Not sure how much damage was done but it seems to have survived relatively intact. The church, the former chapel of a Jesuit college in the city was
abandoned during the Revolution. After restoration work in the early part of the the 19th century the chapel became a parish church in 1847 under the patronage
of Saint Vincent de Paul.
The domed ceiling is a joy.
The pulpit
The organ
Most of the stained glass windows were blown out during WWII with the window on the left being one of the few remaining originals - the others being replaced by contemporary designs
The chapel of 'Our Lady of Sorrow'
Side chapel dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul.
A rare dedication to one of my favourite saints - St.Gerard Majella...
plus a very non-military version of 'our Joan'
Well worth a visit.
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