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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Saint-Denis-Combarnazat, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, has a Romanesque architecture characteristic of the region. The building consists of a single nave with two spans, a choir finished in semicircular apse, and two later added lateral chapels, forming a transept. The walls, made of limestone woollons covered with coating, are reinforced by ressalt foothills. The western façade, in a regular apparatus, incorporates a andesite portal surmounted by a bell tower-wall, while the interior reveals cradle vaults and carved capitals, some of which could be re-use.

The history of the church is linked to a priory founded in the 11th century, after Bishop Rencon had ceded the churches of Saint-Denis to the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu in 1052. The priory was enriched between 1269 and 1284 under Falcon de Montgacon, before being united to the mensa conventuelle in 1352. The building underwent major renovations: in 1832, architect Aymon Mallay carried out repairs, including perhaps the modification of the gate and the construction of the bell tower. In 1865, architect Souliac added two side chapels, rebuilt the vaults, and drilled bays into the choir, while the cover was resumed at the end of the 20th century.

The Western portal, dated from the late twelfth century, is a remarkable element, probably a re-use. His style, close to the southern school, is distinguished by a tympanum adorned with a bas-relief representing a standing character. This portal, unique in the region, suggests external influences. The initial construction campaigns between 1175 and 1250 are attested by architectural elements such as the foothills and parts of the gate. The church, though transformed, retains traces of its medieval origin, especially in its plan and supporting structures.

The foundation of the church is probably linked to a defense building located on the motte of Barnazat, highlighting its role in the local organization. The modifications of the 19th century, though profound, did not completely erase the Romanesque characteristics, as evidenced by the carved capitals and the modillons of the cornice. The church, classified as Historic Monument in 1962, illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of a small Auvergnate rural church, marked by successive adaptations throughout the centuries.

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