France: Lampaul-Guimiliau Parish Close

Brittany is famous for its “parish closes” aka “enclos paroissial” in French – enclosed churchyards dating from the 16-17th centuries, featuring a walled cemetery, ornate church, calvary (crucifixion monument), ossuary (bone house), and a triumphal gate. They all arose from Breton villages’ competitive spirit and wealth from trades like linen and tanning. There are about 70 of them, all with similar elements , and over-the-too display Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles with intricate sculptures decoration. The Parish Close in the village of Lampaul-Guimiliau is often considered one of the most beautiful. This one is super ornate given the village’s tanners wealth – there is a monumental triumphal gate from 1669 topped by a calvary cross, massive gothic porch with statues, a soaring 75m bell-tower, and an interior filled with carved wood and friezes depicting the Last Judgment with over 400 figures of angels, demons, and souls in stunning detail. And there is also a super ornate chapel (ossuary) outside with some relics. It’s pure medieval “opulence I has it”.