Church of Our Lady à Marcenais en Gironde

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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de Marcenais, located in Gironde, is an ancient temple church built mainly in the thirteenth century, while preserving elements of the twelfth century. It is distinguished by its rectangular structure arched in third-point and an original Romanesque portal, where the columns sever at 45° to support capitals. A closed porch, wider than the façade, precedes the building, adding to its defensive and architectural character.

In the 15th century, the walls were raised to create a refuge above the vault, accessible to the inhabitants in case of danger. Two scallops were added at the northwest and southeast angles to strengthen the defence. Inside, a small north room still retains traces of painted decor, while crows, remains of the old cornice and a missing appentis, testify to the modifications suffered by the building.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 6 January 1927, the church today belongs to the commune of Marcenais. Its history reflects both its initial religious role, linked to the Templars, and its subsequent adaptation into a place of protection for the local population. The accuracy of its location is estimated as "a priori satisfactory", based on available data.

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