Laval

NOTRE-DAME DE PRITZ

A place of worship probably existed on the site of the present church before the year 1000, but it is difficult to determine if some parts of the edifice actually date back to that period. We do know that Notre-Dame dePritz was a priory church in the early 11^thcentury and also served as the parish church for Laval. Since the church of Pritz was half a league from the centre of the developing town of Laval, it ceased to be the parish church in the late 12^th century when the church of la Trinité was built

The church consists of a 75 by 21 ft nave. The arms of the transept are walled up but an opening has been pierced in the southern wall. Each arm is prolonged by an oriented apsidiole. The choir has a rectangular chevet. The northern wall of the nave (starting from the east) is pierced with two oculi (now blocked), two windows and a third walled-up window. The southern wall is lighted by two Gothic windows and an older one near the southern arm of the transept.

Frescoes

1) Martyrdom of Saint Catherine (13^thcentury) 2) - the Elders of the Apocalyse (vision of Saint John). 3) - the Labours of the months (13^th century) and traces of an ealier calendar.

Since the paintings were entirely executed "a fresco" (see TECHNIQUES), the details (eyes, cheekbones) have been preserved.