Ancienne abbaye de Puypéroux

English translation

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History

Founded around the 6th century by Benedictine hermits, this abbey became a simple priory in the 14th century, after the translation of its monks to the collegiate church founded at Blanzac in 1226. During the Hundred Years War, the buildings were burned. Only the church remains, which served as a parish until the Revolution. The interest of this abbatial church lies in its eastern parts. The nave, which was collapsing, was completely rebuilt in the 19th century. From the nave, access to the transept arms is made through narrow passages skirting the large pillars of the dome. The transept appears to have been unfinished. The square is marked by four large pillars on which abut the columns receiving the large arches, as well as the rolls that double them. The capitals present very rich ornamentation (figures, animals, heads of sirens...). The dome on squinch crowns this square of the transept. The choir presents a pentagonal arrangement with radiating chapels. The apse is lit by the windows flanked by small columns of its apsidioles covered with a cul-de-four. Their framing arches juxtapose one another and diminish in falling upon engaged columns. The ornamentation of the capitals is borrowed solely from floral decoration.