St. Lawrence Church

The Saint-Laurent church is a Catholic parish church located in Rocquemont, in the Oise department, in France. It was built at the end of the Romanesque period, around 1130, and originally consists of a single vessel. The addition of side aisles and cross aisles in the Gothic period transformed the silhouette of the church and modified the lateral elevations of the Romanesque nave and the base of the bell tower, but all their original elements remain visible inside. Of particular note are the two early ribbed vaults in the choir, which are among the first in the department. They are simple and robust, and such is the character of the whole church, except for the western portal of the middle of the 12th century, which shows some research. The church of Saint-Laurent is not distinguished by the refinement of its architecture, but by its rusticity, which does not prevent a careful arrangement and finishing and harmonious proportions. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1951, and was intelligently restored at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. The atmosphere of the 18th century has been restored, which is the main interest of the church today. It still has its wrought iron choir screen from 1758, and baroque altarpieces in stone and wood from the 17th century. In the nave, discreet wall paintings enliven the walls. The sobriety of the interior space favors meditation.