Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Coussay-les-Bois, located in the commune of the same name in New Aquitaine, dates from the late 11th or early 12th century. It is distinguished by rare architectural features in the region, including a nave composed of a large span preceded by a smaller vestibule. The main span, containing robust columns, supports a cupola on pendants, while a third cupola occupies the span of the bell tower, with an octagon and corner deceit. These elements, as well as the presence of a sinking cradle, testify to an original architectural design for the time.

In the 15th century, the church underwent important changes: the old sanctuary was replaced by a square span vaulted with ridges, and two arms of transept were added, removing the original lateral pinions. The side walls were raised, probably to adapt the cover, from a flat stone roof to a slate frame. This transformation partially masked the bottom of the bell tower, whose ancient traces are still visible thanks to fragments of cords and crowlets. The needle arrow, added later, now crowns a four-sided bell tower, adorned with blind arches and two bays.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 21 December 1914, the church belongs to the municipality of Coussay-les-Bois. Its bell tower, marked by three blind arches and two upper bays, illustrates stylistic evolutions between the 12th and 15th centuries. The building also preserves defensive or symbolic elements, such as depreciation in masonry and deceit, reflecting medieval construction techniques. Its partial state of conservation and its successive transformations make it a valuable testimony of regional religious architecture.

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