Saint-Pantaléon in Troyes, France, was the parish church of wealthy merchants during the Renaissance. They were proud to sponsor and display works of art such as statues and stained-glass windows. After the French Revolution, 16th century sculptures rescued from other churches were brought here, transforming it into a remarkable museum of religious statuary of the Champagne region. As early as 1189, there was a half-timbered church dedicated to Saint-Pantaléon on this site. Construction of a stone building in the Gothic style began at the start of the 16th century. In 1570, the lower parts were covered by a temporary roof and the upper part was finished a century later in Renaissance style. In the last photo you can see the contrast between the Gothic and Renaissance parts.
The wooden ceiling vault was built between 1660 and 1675. The pendulum with carved angels hangs directly above the altar in the choir. The nave is very narrow, and the transepts are even narrower. The height of the vault - 28 meters (92 feet) - contributes to the sense of elevation.
Photos by Charles Reeza
