Aviva Directory » Local & Global » Europe » Channel Islands » Bailiwick of Guernsey » Guernsey » Castel

Castel is the largest in area of the nine other parishes on the island of Guernsey. It is tied with Vale for second largest in population, after St. Peter Port,

Along with Vale, Castel is roughly equal second in population, after St. Peter Port.

The parish church of St. Marie de Castel, also known as Notre Dame de la Délivrance was consecrated in 1203. It is believed that the church was built on an ancient fort. The church is known for its medieval fresco.

In 1878, a carved standing stone known as a menhir was discovered under the floor of the church. The menhir was carved in the shape of a female wearing a necklace which was possibly a fertility symbol. It dated from 2,500 to 1,800 BC. It is thought that the reason it was under the floor was to rid the church of its link to pagan beliefs.

 

 

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