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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Vignolles was mentioned in 1030 as possession of the cathedral chapter of Angoulême, then the diocese of Saintes. Its initial construction, at the end of the 12th century, marks its Romanesque origin, visible today in its semicircular bedside and portal. These elements, like the sculpted cornice, illustrate medieval religious art in the region.

Ruined at the end of the Hundred Years' War, the church was rebuilt in the 14th century in Gothic style, as evidenced by the span under steeple. This period of reconstruction reflects local efforts to restore buildings damaged by the conflict. Only the third span of the nave, vaulted on a dogive cross, remains of this medieval era.

In the 19th century, the building underwent extensive restorations that transformed much of its structure. The facade, vaults, south elevation, bell tower and sacristy (built in 1889 by architect Philippe Demenieux) date from this period. The works of 1840 and 1881, led by architect Warin, modernized the church while preserving some ancient elements. Enrolment in the Historic Monuments in 1991 devotes its heritage value.

From a rectangular plane, the church preserves a mixture of architectural styles, where Romanesque traces coincide with Gothic and neo-Gothic additions. This architectural palimpsest illustrates the artistic evolution and cultural needs of the Vignollais community throughout the centuries. Today the property of the municipality ensures its preservation.

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