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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Our Lady of Vellèches, located in the village of the same name in New Aquitaine, is an emblematic building of the transition between Romanesque art and Gothic art. Built at the end of the 12th century in tufted stone, it is distinguished by its unique nave panelled, its porch housing a Romanesque portal, and a choir composed of a vaulted span of dogives and an apse in cul-de-four. Modillons of the southern cornice, decorated with masks, add a decorative touch characteristic of the era.

In the 14th century, a southern side chapel was added, but it probably disappeared during the destructions of the 16th century. The entrance gate corresponds to the early façade of the building, thus retaining original architectural elements. The church, classified as Historic Monument in 2001, is now owned by the municipality of Vellèches. Its hybrid architecture and sculptural details bear witness to the evolution of medieval styles in the region.

The location of the church, at approximately 2 Impasse de l'Église, reflects its anchoring in the historical fabric of the village. Although the sources mention a precise location considered fair, its central role in the local community, both spiritual and architectural, remains undeniable. The absence of mention of sponsors or specific events in the sources limits the knowledge of its social history, but its status as Historic Monument underlines its heritage importance.

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