Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne de Moulons, located in Pommiers-Moulons in Charente-Maritime, is a religious building dating back to the twelfth century. Its initial construction, marked by a decor of false red camera on a white background, bears witness to primitive Romanesque architecture. Over the centuries, it has undergone several transformations: vaulting of the nave and enlargement of the bays in the 14th century, addition of painted decorations at the end of the 15th century, then partial reconstruction of the vault of the choir at the beginning of the 16th century. These developments reflect the stylistic and functional adaptations typical of medieval rural churches.

Around 1574, the church was partially destroyed by the calvinists, who damaged the vaults of the nave. This episode illustrates the religious tensions of the time, marked by the wars of Religion in France. Despite these deteriorations, the building retains remarkable elements, such as two 15th century monumental paintings, classified as Historic Monuments in 1973. These frescoes, depicting St. Michael's terrorizing the dragon, St. Crepin and St. Crepin, as well as Christ in majesty surrounded by evangelists, were restored in 1993 by Florence Cremer. A bronze bell dating from 1690, classified since 1911, completes this furniture heritage.

The church is listed as a Historic Monument by order of 5 December 2000, thus recognizing its heritage value. Its history also includes the sale and demolition of the presbytery of the French Revolution (1850), as well as restoration work carried out in the 19th century. These elements underline its anchoring in local history, between medieval heritage, religious upheavals and modern preservation efforts. The building, owned by the commune, remains an architectural and artistic testimony of the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods in New Aquitaine.

External links