Church of Our Lady, Castelnou
Facts and practical information
The church of Sainte-Marie du Mercadal, or church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, is a Romanesque church located in Castelnou, in the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales.
Mentioned for the first time in 1259, located outside the fortified village walls, it owes its name to the market that was held nearby. The building dates back to the beginning of the 13th century, and was the object of some additions in the 18th century: construction of a sacristy and a bell tower. Its plan is very classical: a single nave ending in a semicircular apse. The interior furnishings date from the Baroque period, including the altarpiece of the high altar, which is noteworthy. Remarkable Romanesque paintings decorate the door leaves.
The church is registered as a historical monument by order of November 22, 1972.
Castelnou
Church of Our Lady – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Serrabone Priory, Château de Castelnou, Château de Belpuig, Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire.