About Iliz Koz

A church buried by the sands

Iliz Koz (the old church in Breton) is the remains of a medieval place of worship located in Plouguerneau, Finistere. The site lies on the shore of Tremenac'h, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

Probably built between the 11th and 12th centuries, this parish church served the local community for several centuries before being gradually buried by sand during the 18th century, a victim of dune encroachment that affected many sites along the northern Finistere coast.

Rediscovery and archaeological excavations

It was not until the 20th century that the site was rediscovered, when coastal erosion began to uncover the buried remains. Since then, several archaeological excavation campaigns have helped us better understand the history of this remarkable place.

The excavations revealed the church foundations, medieval burials, and various objects testifying to the daily life of the inhabitants of Tremenac'h in the Middle Ages.

The site today

Today, the Iliz Koz association is dedicated to preserving the site, continuing archaeological research, and raising public awareness of this fragile and little-known heritage. Guided tours are regularly organised to allow everyone to discover this treasure of the Breton coast.