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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Raphaël of Saint-Raphaël, Dordogne, is mentioned for the first time in 1120 in a papal bubble of Calixte II under the name Ecclesiam S. Raphaëlis. It then belonged to the Abbey of Tourtoirac and served as Benedictine priory, founded in the 11th century. This priory, identified as Monastery Sancti Raphaelis in the 13th century, depended on the châtellenia of Excideuil in the 14th century. The Hundred Years' War would have caused its destruction, marking a turning point in its history.

In the 19th century, important works (circa 1889) transformed the church: the nave was rebuilt by preserving the transept, sacristy and a span of origin. These renovations, although modernising, lead to the disappearance of many medieval carved elements. In 1910, the commune brought a lawsuit against the parish priest for the theft of 20 carved stones from the 11th century. The building was partially classified as a Historical Monument in 1927 for its two Romanesque pillars and built-in capitals.

The current architecture combines Romanesque remains (gates, arch-button pillars) and neo-Gothic additions (square collar, pentagonal choir). The preserved capitals, such as those representing Christ in mandorl or Adoration of the Magi, bear witness to his rich medieval decor. Murals were rediscovered in the choir during restorations (2008–2013). Several liturgical objects (XI–XIX centuries) are protected, while sculptural fragments are now scattered in American museums.

Historical furniture includes a statue of St Victurnian (1674), formerly associated with a local cult at St Remy, attracting pilgrims until the 19th century. A bell of 1753, a 17th century walnut pulpit and silver objects (calice, ciborie) complete this heritage. The church, a communal property, remains a symbol of the religious and artistic heritage of the Dordogne.

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