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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne de Marsac, located in Laugnac en Lot-et-Garonne, is an ancient Romanesque chapel built in the 12th century. It belonged to a Benedictine priory dependent on Clairac Abbey, and was characterized by a round apse and a bell tower originally planned on the cross of the transept. The building, partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, was acquired in 1579 by François de Montpezat, then joined at the Collège d'Agen in 1714 and at the sacristy of Saint-Jean de Lateran in 1729.

In the 17th century, the church was redesigned, including the addition of a side door dated 1620, signed by Mason I. Calbet. The current bell tower was erected in the 18th century. Major restorations took place in 1868 by the entrepreneur Labenne, including the reconstruction of a column and the modification of a choir window. The sacristy was added around 1880 by architect T. Teulère, but the bell tower collapsed partially in 1886.

The building, which was listed as a historical monument in 1951 and 1995, preserves Romanesque elements such as the western gate with carved mouldings and capitals. The choir, arched in cul-de-four, contrasts with the false wooden ceilings replacing the original vaults. A wrought iron cemetery cross, dated 1861, also bears witness to its religious and community history.

Historical sources, including the works of J.-R. Marboutin and Georges Tholin, highlight its architectural importance and its link with Clairac Abbey. The site, owned by the commune, remains a notable example of the Romanesque and post-medieval heritage of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

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