page_title: Guimiliau
section_title: Parish close
hierarchical_section_title: Guimiliau / Parish close
caption_attribution_description: English: Entrance to close.
context_page_description: Guimiliau is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France.
  It is noted for the Guimiliau Parish close. It should not be confused with the neighbouring commune and village of Lampaul-Guimiliau.
context_section_description: Parish closes are a distinctive feature of Breton culture in the historic Léon diocese, in which Guimiliau stands. As the name suggests, a close is a completely enclosed church yard, usually with a commanding entrance arch. Sacred enclosures were a feature of Celtic religion even before the arrival of Christianity. Parish closes today form the foci for pardons, the annual Breton pilgrimage festivals, which can attract thousands of worshippers.
  The parish close of Guimiliau is situated at the upper end of the main village street, with the entrance dominating the village.
  The calvary  or crucifix is the centre piece of the church yard, surrounded by a fine and complex retelling of the Passion in statuary. See Calvary at Guimiliau
  The church contains many fine examples of polychrome sculpture from the sixteenth century onwards, including several large retables. There is also a fine octagonal baptistery, a carved pulpit and a collection of banners used especially in religious processions at pardons.
caption: Entrance to the parish close, showing the enclosing wall and gateway.
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