Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame-de-Tramesaygues d'Audressein, located at the confluence of Lez and the Bouigane, owes its name to gascon Tramesaygues ("between the waters"). Its origin dates back to at least the 12th century, as evidenced by a brotherhood of Notre-Dame erected in 1315. The present building, built in the 14th century, preserves its central nave, its Gothic gate, its covered porch decorated with frescoes, and a characteristic bell tower-wall. These elements, classified as Historical Monuments in 1990, reflect the early importance of the site as a place of Marian devotion.

In the 15th century, the church was enlarged to the north, with the addition of a secondary gate and a fore porch also decorated with wall paintings. The 16th century saw the addition of a south side of the Renaissance style, pierced by an adorned portal, as well as the vaulting of the north side, where polls revealed sculptures of the same period. These transformations illustrate the rise of the pilgrimage, confirmed by the presence of ex-votos. A fire in the 19th century damaged the choir and south side, rebuilt in plaster vaults.

Integrated with the secondary roads of Santiago de Compostela via the Pyrenean Piedmont, the church is also linked to the local seigneurial history. In 1389 and 1456 the lords of Audressein, of the Pac family, paid tribute to the king for their lands, including the fief neighbour of Castillon-en-Couserans. The site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title of compostellan paths, thus embodies both a religious, artistic and feudal heritage.

The village of Audressein, located in the Couserans — a gascon territory structured by the Salat — also retains a marked rural heritage, as evidenced by its hydraulic drummer classified (2003). The municipality, now attached to the Regional Natural Park of the Ariegean Pyrenees, perpetuates an ancient agro-pastoral tradition, while valuing its medieval and jacquarian heritage.

Future

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Tramesaygues is one of the 71 monuments and 7 portions of paths have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998 under the official title of "Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle en France".

It was at the edge of one of the 4 classic tracks (Via Turonensis, Via Lemovicensis, Via Podiensis and Via Tolosana). The pilgrims therefore had to make a detour to visit it.

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