Eglise Saint-Sauveur de Bellême

The church is of a significant size, 48 meters long by 15 wide. It consists of an imposing main nave, not only by its dimensions but because it is surmounted by a frame in the form of an overturned ship and floored with painted staves. This very interesting framework is therefore not visible except by its tie rods and punches. The nave is flanked by eight chapels, four to the north which are integrated into the nave, and four to the south which constitute as many side aedicules covered with a clean roof.
The choir is extended by a five-sided apse (3), lit by narrow windows and, on the outskirts, by a gallery which serves the sacristy, which dates from the 12th century but fits in well with the whole. All windows have stained glass.
The facade consists of a steeple-porch quite remarkable for its upward movement and the richness of its vocabulary. Between the buttresses and on each of them have been fitted out niches including a beautiful statuary of Jesus and the Evangelists.
Inside, in addition to the painted parquet of the frame, which is in good condition, a series of objects attracts attention: the baptismal font, altars, sculptures and paintings in the various chapels.
Source: fondation-patrimoine.org

This church was not dedicated to one of the many people we venerate as blessed or saints and ask for their heavenly intercession with God, or - like so many French churches - to the Mother of God (“Notre-Dame”). The patronage here was chosen to be the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ himself, and the church in Bellême was dedicated to him under the title “SAINT SAUVEUR” - that is, as the Redeemer and Savior (Latin: “Salvator”).