Timeline

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Origin and history

The ancient church of Sourniac, known as the chapel Saint-Amand, finds its origins in the 11th century, although it was cited in the 10th century in the will of Theodechilde. Originally a castral chapel, it then became a parish church until its decommissioning in 1807, when the parish was abolished. Its history is marked by major transformations, including enlargements in the 15th and 19th centuries, as well as a partial reconstruction in 1935 that spared only the early Romanesque chapel, composed of a choir, a semicircular apse vaulted in cul-de-four and remains of 17th century mural paintings.

The chapel illustrates the local architectural and religious evolution, moving from a medieval sanctuary to a building remodelled according to liturgical and community needs. His choir, the only element protected by historical monuments since 1983, bears witness to his Romanesque heritage, while the later additions (long nave, bell tower with two bays) reflect successive adaptations. The materials of the old structure, partially destroyed in 1935, were reused to erect the new building, symbolizing historical continuity despite the transformations.

The interior remains, such as the 17th century paintings and the archvolt adorned portal, offer an overview of the artistic styles that followed each other. The most recent façade, however, retains ancient elements such as this portal, probably from a reuse. This monument thus embodies the historical strata of Sourniac, between medieval heritage, modern redevelopments and partial preservation of a centuries-old religious heritage.

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