ÉGLISE SAINT JEAN-BAPTISTE DE SÈRE

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The church of Sère dates back to the XIth century: it is classified as a historical monument. Its Romanesque style is pure and sober. The sanctuary, which was once the seat of an archpriesthood, is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist
Outside, three apses stand out clearly as well as a cornice which, supported by modillions, runs along the bottom of the roof. As in most of the villages in the valley, the church has a bell tower, which overlooks an imposing three-arched porch. Below this, one enters the sanctuary through a majestic and elaborate portal: it features a tympanum, on which is sculpted a Christmass surrounded by symbolic animals
The interior of the church is divided into three high naves, two lateral ones separated from the middle one by wide arches that rest on powerful cruciform pillars. The paving, probably original, is made of schist. The vaults are supported by arched double arches. Finally, each nave ends with a raised choir whose back is occupied by altarpieces of great interest
The high altar has a baroque altarpiece dating from the early 18th century. It is attributed to the sculptor Jean BRUNELLO (born around 1670 + 1742) and his workshop. The altarpiece stands on three levels and impresses by its wooden sculptures, gilded with gold leaf. The central panel recreates the scene of Christ’s baptism on the banks of the Jordan, surrounded by several figures placed in niches made up of twisted columns and surmounted by architraves or cornices: the whole is enriched with various decorations, such as garlands, cherubs, foliage, flower paintings, foliage or other. The church also has side altarpieces in its two absidioles. One is original and shows the Holy Family walking in the clouds, the other, in a modified structure, a Virgin and Child reminiscent of the Italian Madonnas. These two side altarpieces are from the same period, in the same style and probably by the same workshop as the high altar. It should be noted that this altarpiece and that of the Holy Family were restored in 1988 and 1992 respectively, under the supervision of the Historic Monuments Department.

The church is open every day in July and August, and on request the rest of the year.

Sources : Seven Valleys Study Society – Mr Henri LAFFONT Traduction automatique par DeepL via DATAtourisme

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