Municipal finances rarely allow them to undertake the often substantial repairs required.
As Philippe Surplie contemplated the ravages caused by time to the structure of the 1,000-year-old church in Sérifontaine, northern France, he seemed overcome by “the scale of the task” of restoring the edifice. “It’s a mountain. And the mountain is getting bigger and bigger,” said the 74-year-old deputy mayor with concern, standing close to the high altar, which has been neglected since the church was closed in January 2023 due to its dangerous condition.
