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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne de Carcenac, located in the village of Carcenac a few kilometers north of Salmiech (Aveyron), is mentioned from the thirteenth century in the cartular of the Abbey of Bonnecombe. The present building, under the name of Saint Stephen, dates from the early 16th century. Its toponym, finished with "-ac", suggests a settlement prior to the foundation of the priory or parish. The porch is surmounted by a rectangular bell tower built in the late 19th century, inspired by Flemish belfries.

During the French Revolution, the church furniture was vandalized, as reported by the historian Hippolyte de Barrau. In 1803 the interior was enriched thanks to the initiative of M. de Barrau, resident of Carcenac, who saved artistic elements of the Cordeliers de Rodez convent and Bonnecombe Abbey, threatened with destruction. Twenty ox chariots were sent to repatriate retables, statues and woodwork, despite the late counter-order of Prefect Sainthorent. These works, now protected, include a sculpted group from the Holy Sepulcher (16th century) and a Virgin with Child (18th century).

The church houses two remarkable chapels: the chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, adorned with a 16th century tomb, and the chapel of Our Lady (or of the Virgin), where there is a statue of the 18th century Virgin with Child, from Bonnecombe. Among the elements classified as historical monuments are the altarpiece, the high altar, two 15th century statues and the carved group of the Holy Sepulchre. These pieces testify to the historic importance of the place, linked to the religious history of the Rouergue.

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