Guimiliau, Bretagne

Guimiliau has one of the finest parish closes in the Elorn valley. The parish closes [enclos paroissiaux] were built during the 16th-18th centuries, reflecting the religious fervor of the Bretons. At that time Brittany had few urban centers but many rich rural settlements, which profited from their proximity to the sea, maritime trading and the manufacture of cloth. Marvelous religious monuments were built by small villages inspired by spiritual zeal but also by the more earthly desire to outdo the neighboring villages. Three essential features mark a parish close: a triumphal gateway marking the entry into the hallowed grounds [below and at St.-Thégonnec], a calvary depicting scenes from the Passion and crucifiction [see below], and an ossuary, where bones exhumed from the cemetery were stored - it was considered a bridge between the living and the dead.

Almost 200 figures adorn the calvary (1581-88) of Guimiliau. Many of the figures are depicted in 16th century clothing. Amongst them you will find the legendary torment of Katell Gollet, a servant girl tortured by demons for stealing a consecrated wafer to please her lover. The church [16th-17th cent.] is dedicated to St. Miliau and has a richly decorated south porch [see the Creation of Eve and a depiction of virtues and vices - I was particularly amused by the depiction of drunkenness]. The baptistry's elaborately carved oak canopy dates from 1675.