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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Barthélemy de La Cassagne, located in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a Roman Catholic church built in the 12th century. It was part of a priory attached to the abbey of Saint-Amand-de-Coly, which demonstrates its importance in the medieval monastic network of the region. Its initial architecture was partially preserved, including the bedside, the north drop-down wall and part of the south wall.

In the 16th century, the church underwent major changes and enlargements, reflecting the architectural changes and liturgical needs of the time. Bertrand de Béon, local lord, founded a chapel there, while a south side was added. Three arcades were pierced into the south drop-water wall to connect this side to the nave, which was vaulted with ridge vaults. These transformations marked the transition between original Romanesque style and Renaissance influences.

The church also preserves traces of its seigneurial history: Catherine du Lin, wife of Oddon de Béon, is buried there, highlighting the close link between this noble family and the monument. Classified as historical monuments on July 6, 1936, the church today illustrates both the medieval heritage and the architectural adaptations of the modern period.

The adjacent buildings, although partially disappeared, recall that this site was originally a priory, a centre of religious and economic life for the local community. Historical sources, such as Alain Blondin's works, confirm his attachment to the Sarlat Abbey, strengthening its role in the monastic landscape of the Périgord Noir.

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