Draft:Saint-Louis de La Flèche Church
.JPG) Saint-Louis Church | |
 | |
| 47°41′56.3″N 0°4′31.9″W / 47.698972°N 0.075528°W | |
| Location | France/Sarthe |
|---|---|
| Type | Roman Catholic |
| Beginning date | 1607 |
| Completion date | 1621 |
The Saint-Louis church is located in La Flèche, in the French department of Sarthe. Built from 1607 onwards in the grounds of the Jesuit College, founded in 1603 by Henri IV, it was completed in 1621. Since 1808, it has been part of the Prytanée National Militaire, where the ashes of the hearts of Henri IV and Queen Marie de Médicis are kept, and is a parish of the diocese of Les Armées.
Designed by architect Louis Métezeau, Saint-Louis church is a transitional style between traditional Gothic architecture and the Italian influence of the late 16th century. The whiteness and sobriety of the nave contrasts with the profusion of Baroque decoration on the high altar and organ loft. The church has been a listed monument since 1919.
History
[edit]From the founding of the Jesuit college to the church
[edit]
On September 3, 1603, Henri IV signed the Edict of Rouen authorizing the return of the Jesuits to France, and then decided to cede his “Château-Neuf” at La Flèche to the Jesuits so that they could set up a college there[1]. In the Edict of Fontainebleau, issued in 1607, the king laid down the college's teaching program and promised to build its church[2]. He also indicated that he wished his heart to be removed from his body after his death, and placed in the college's church[3].
References
[edit]- ^ Pierre Schilte, Le château des Fouquet de la Varenne à La Flèche au xviie siècle, Le Mans, Imprimerie Martin, 1987-1988, 143 p., p. 14-32.
- ^ Schilte 1980, p. 78.
- ^ Jean-Pierre Babelon, Henri IV à La Flèche, une affaire de cœur, in Henri IV et les Jésuites, Actes de la journée d'études universitaires de La Flèche, octobre 2003, p. 13-23.