Lampaul-Guimiliau

Lampaul-Guimiliau (French pronunciation: [lɑ̃pɔl ɡimiljo]; Breton: Lambaol-Gwimilio) is a commune in the Finistère department and administrative region of Brittany in north-western France.

The closes of the Léon diocese date from the 16th and early 17th centuries, when the area was at the peak of its prosperity, founded on the hemp industry and on Channel and Atlantic trade.

It contains not only the church and graveyard of the parish, but also a large and elaborate calvary or crucifix and a noted charnel house, both common features of Breton closes, and a vast belfry.

The church and charnel house display a large body of polychrome sculpture, mainly of 16th or 17th century date and rich in complex Christian iconography, reflecting the preoccupations of the Counter-Reformation or Catholic Reformation.

Dominating the nave is a 16th-century rood screen, showing the crucified Christ, attended by the Virgin Mary and St John the Apostle.

There are also a number of important separate free-standing pieces, including an oak Descent from the Cross, the Entombment, and St Pol.

Unlike most of its kind, it is elaborately polychrome, with highly-elaborate pillars and finely-modelled representation of the baptism of Christ.

Historic dioceses of Brittany
The calvary that dominates the church yard of Lampaul-Guimiliau.
Belfry and portal.
The church and belfry.