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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativity church of Aigueparse, located in the commune of Mazeyrolles in Dordogne, is a religious building whose origins date back to the 12th century. At that time, it consisted of a unique nave ending in an apse pierced by a bay, typical of perigordine Romanesque architecture. Its location and primitive structure suggest a vocation both spiritual and community, unique to the rural churches of the time.

In the 14th century, the church was fortified in response to regional unrest, including the crusade against the Albigois (early 13th century), the Franco-English wars, and later the Wars of Religion (16th century). A defence tower was added west of the nave, with slots and archeries, reflecting the protection needs of local populations. The nave itself was to be raised by three metres, as evidenced by the link harps visible on the tower, although this project was carried out in a hasty manner and less careful than the original Romanesque masonries.

The building was classified as a Historic Monument on May 6, 1940, recognizing its heritage value. Its bell tower-wall with two arcades, overlooking the abside, and traces of fortification illustrate its evolution between place of worship and refuge. Today, the church depends on the parish of Notre-Dame de Capelou and remains a testimony of architectural adaptations related to medieval conflicts in Périgord.

Available sources, including Monumentum and Wikipedia, highlight its role in local history, while books such as La bastide de Villefranche du Périgord (Françoise Auricoste, 1994) place its context in the perigord chestnut grove. The accuracy of its location (GPS coordinates and address) is assessed as very satisfactory, facilitating its access to visitors.

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