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Origin and history

Saint-Cirq-et-Sainte-Juliette Church of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, dedicated to Saint Cyr (the youngest Christian martyr) and his mother Saint Julitte, finds its origins in a seigneurial chapel built in the 12th century by the families of La Popie and Cardaillac. This chapel, facing east-west, was originally used by local lords whose castles were adjacent to the building. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie then housed an archpriest attested from the 11th century, with archpriests documented from 1231. In 1416, this archpriest was united with the Collège Pélegri de Cahors, consolidating his regional religious role.

In the 16th century, the Romanesque chapel was integrated into a new parish church, reoriented north-south, retaining only its original apse. The works, initiated before 1522 under the impetus of archpriest Ramon Fizamen and the master of work Guillaume Capelle, were partly financed by the local consuls. Interrupted around 1538 when Fizamen died, they resumed in 1548 with major repairs (clocher, stair tower) and continued until 1585. The Rodorel de Conduché family founded a chapel of the Holy Sepulcher before 1553, marking its local influence.

The building, characterized by a nave framed by low-sides and a circular choir, was classified as Historic Monument on 13 July 1911. Its square bell tower, accompanied by a tower of round staircase, dominates the village. Several associated liturgical objects are listed in the Palissy base, bearing witness to its rich furniture heritage. The church thus illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the region, from medieval lords to the modern parish community.

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