Église des Templiers de Luz-Saint-Sauveur Historic Monument in Luz-Saint-Sauveur

The Templar church of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, whose real name is the Saint-André church, is an emblematic historical monument of the Pyrenees.

History and architecture

Contrary to its popular name, it was not built by the Templars, but by the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century.
The church was fortified in the 14th century to protect it from invasions, which gives it its unique fortress appearance.
It features elements of medieval military architecture, such as battlements, loopholes and towers.
It has been classified as a Historic Monument and is one of the first Pyrenean monuments to have received this distinction.

Remarkable elements

• The sculpted Romanesque tympanum of the north facade.
• The 16th century painted vault depicting Christ surrounded by the four evangelists (tetramorph).
• The 18th century Baroque high altar.
• The Treasure Museum, in the Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié chapel, exhibiting sacred art objects.
• An organ built in 2011 by the Koenig factory which has the particularity of being placed to the right of the High Altar.

Cultural and tourist importance

The church is a place of worship and a major tourist site in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. It bears witness to the region's eventful history and medieval religious architecture.
A local producers' market is held every Monday morning during the summer season at the foot of the church.