Saint-Pierre Church in Soubise

An ancient church is attested and partly visible but it was destroyed during the wars of religion. A few Romanesque windows and capitals have been preserved, as well as a splendid Gothic vault under the bell tower. It was a collegiate church served by a prior and canons. During the Wars of Religion, notably in 1566- 1567, Catholic worship was repeatedly banned in Soubise and the church was largely destroyed. Around 1712, the Prince of Soubise, Hercule Mériadec de Rohan, rebuilt the church at his own expense, masking the ruins with a classical facade which completed a semicircular nave.

As was customary in the 18th century when the benefactor of a church died, a funeral tablet was painted around 1749 on the walls of the nave in homage to Hercule-Mériadec de Rohan, Prince of Soubise (1669-1749), who had had the church rebuilt at his own expense after it had been largely destroyed during the Wars of Religion. On the black background of this litre are the arms of the Rohan family, part Gules, part nine gold and part Brittany macles. The shield is surmounted by a ducal crown with the mantle of even. They were probably damaged during the Revolution and rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Ex Voto de Soubise representing Saint Elme and Saint Claire, was made by a certain Roussel in 1748. The saint is dressed as a bishop and the saint as a nun. Above them the Virgin and Child is surmounted by the Holy Spirit and surrounded by cherubs. On the left are two beautiful three-decker ships. Saint Elmo (or Erasmus)

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