St. Bartholomew's Church, Villeneuve-sur-Verberie

The church of Saint-Barthélemy is a Catholic parish church located in Villeneuve-sur-Verberie, in the Oise department, France. It is a building of the first Gothic period of the years 1160 / 1180, which still feels largely the influence of Romanesque architecture, except for the two remarkable portals and the belfry floor of the bell tower, which is of significant dimensions. The portals are inspired by the collegiate church of Saint-Frambourg of Senlis, and the bell tower, by the cathedral of Senlis. Since the addition of a chapel to the north of the first bay of the choir in the 13th century and of a side aisle to the north of the nave towards the end of the 15th century, the plan of the church has become asymmetrical. The interior of the nave changed profoundly with the vaulting of ogives at the same time. The choir, on the other hand, has changed little since its construction and remains the most interesting part of the church. It is characterized by beautifully crafted vaults, the second of which has ogives sculpted with flowers, and above all by capitals with an original and very detailed sculpture. Two of them are historiated and can be qualified as exceptional in the department. In recognition of its value, the church of Saint-Barthélemy was classified as a historical monument by decree of March 9, 1921, and is now affiliated with the parish of Saint-Rieul de Senlis. Sunday masses are celebrated there on the third Sunday of certain months, at 9:30 am.