Église Sainte-Agathe

English translation

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History

Romanesque edifice modified in the 14th, 15th and 17th centuries, comprising a nave of two bays with rib vaults with vault bosses (15th), following the Romanesque choir pierced with three openings, one of which was enlarged and the other two blocked. The rib vault springing of the first bay of the nave are supported on small columns with foliage capitals. Adjoining the nave from which they are separated by a rectangular mass, are found to the north two bays with barrel vaults (17th). To the south are two chapels. One, to the south-east, of the 15th century, with rib vault and containing a niche with flamboyant ogival frame. The other, to the south-west, with barrel vault (17th). Between the two is situated the south tower containing a spiral staircase leading to the bell tower. This edifice is interesting for its system of fortification almost intact beneath the roof: crenellations, chemin de ronde, arrow slits. The Romanesque chevet was presumably heightened for this purpose. Its original height is indicated by the cornice on moulded corbels above the archivolts of the Romanesque windows. This church bears witness to the severity of the religious struggles that took place in the region, and to the transformation of a religious edifice into a refuge.