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Origin and history

Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Fajoles is a Catholic church located in the Lot department in the Occitanie region. Dating from the end of the 12th century, it is mentioned for the first time in a charter of the Archbishop of Bourges in 1143, then in a bubble of 1153-1154, as dependent on the chapter of the monastery of the Vigan. Its construction is attributed to the joint initiative of the chapter of the Vigan and the Barons of Themines, family holder of the local seigneury.

The original access to the building was through a gate located in the south arm of the transept, richly decorated with carved capitals. This arm also housed the seigneurial chapel of the family of Thémines. At the beginning of the 13th century, modifications were made, including the addition of a forebody in front of the south gate, a new gate on the south façade, and a small gate to the west to facilitate the entrance of the faithful.

In the 15th century, the bell tower, located at the crossing of the transept, was enlarged north and south as a refuge. The church, from plan to Latin cross with a unique nave, was inscribed as historical monuments on 30 May 1978. Its architecture and history reflect the religious and seigneurial influences of the region during the Middle Ages.

Historical sources, such as the archives of the archdiocese of Bourges and papal bubbles, attest to its importance in the medieval parish network. Subsequent changes, including the added portals and the enlargement of the bell tower, illustrate its adaptation to liturgical and defensive needs over the centuries.

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