[Visites insolites] A Russian Orthodox church in the heart of Aveyron

Occitanie is full of little-known sites which nevertheless bear witness to the rich local heritage. The Journal Toulousain takes you to discover characteristic places in the region. Today, go to Aveyron for an unusual visit to the Russian Orthodox church of Sylvanès.

Did you know that the Aveyron department is home to a Russian Orthodox church? In Sylvanès, this building built from scratch in Russia, and rebuilt in Aveyron by a team of Russian carpenters, is installed in the middle of the Granges de Pessales forest.

A church according to pure Russian tradition

Initially, the church was built in the Kirov region, Russia, in the pure Orthodox tradition of the VII^e century. Dismantled in 1993, it was transported to France by train, arriving in July 1993 at Millau station, in Aveyron. It was then by truck that all the parts of the structure were transported, little by little, so that the church was rebuilt identically, using Russian techniques: without any bolts or dowels! It took six months to reassemble the Etimasie du Trône church, made entirely of pine logs, topped with its onions and pinnacles.

Unusual meeting in Russia

Sylvanès is best known for its Cistercian abbey, which is very visited, especially as the International Festival of Sacred Music takes place there every year. However, it is precisely Father André Gouzes, Dominican of Sylvanès Abbey, who is at the origin of the presence of this somewhat exotic church. A music lover, his affection for Orthodox music brought him to Russia, where he fell in love with the simplicity and authenticity of its wooden churches. There he met the Bishop of Kostroma, who, amazed by the site of the Granges priory, in the Pessales forest, proposed to André Gouzes to build a Russian church there.
Today it is possible to visit this chapel, which stands 27 meters high over an area of ​​300 m². Inside there is a rich collection of festive icons as well as two Flemish works from the 16th century.^e century: a large Christ on a cross and a triptych of the adoration of the Magi.

Practical information: Russian Orthodox Church, Pessales, in Sylvanès (12360).
From Sylvanès Abbey, head towards Les Bains,
follow the D10 on the left, then the D92 on the right towards Fayet.
After 800 meters, take the road which leads to Bertrands.