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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte d'Escurolles, located in the Allier department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a Romanesque building built between the 11th and 12th centuries. It replaces an early church of the 10th century, mentioned in historical documents as dependent on Cluny Abbey. The current building consists of a nave and two sides vaulted in a quarter of a circle, with apsides added in the 12th century. The capitals, decorated with fantastic characters and motifs, as well as the 13th and 15th century murals, bear witness to its rich artistic heritage.

In 984, Ermengarde offered the church in Cluny, marking its attachment to this powerful abbey. Over the centuries, the monument underwent several changes: construction of a porch and bell tower in the 12th century, addition of a sacristy between 1731 and 1778, and partial demolition of the bell tower and porch in 1908 for security reasons. The most notable fresco, partially preserved, represents Christ in glory surrounded by the apostles, dated the end of the thirteenth century. Ranked a historical monument in 1927, the church illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the region.

Major changes include the removal of the bell tower arrow in 1794 during the Revolution, and the restoration works of 1908 led by architect Percilly. These interventions modified the west façade and vaults, while preserving original Romanesque elements such as clawed columns. Today, the church remains a key testimony of auvergnat Romanesque art, mixing clunisian influences and medieval carved decoration.

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