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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Georges de Riom-ès-Montagnes, located in the Cantal department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a Catholic religious building dating back to the 11th century. It illustrates the Romanesque architecture of Haute-Auvergne, with preserved elements such as bedside and carved capitals. The church underwent major transformations in the 12th, 13th and 16th centuries, including the addition of a porch and bell tower in the 15th century, as well as restorations in the 19th century.

The monument is characterized by a nave with three spans, two collaterals, an apse and two apsidioles. The first two spans date from the late 10th century, while the choir and apse, decorated with richly decorated capitals, are from the 11th century. Collateral and absidiole were added in the 12th century. Among the remarkable decorations are thirty sculpted capitals representing various scenes (siren, dancers, judgment), as well as a bentier with interlaces.

Ranked a historic monument since February 26, 1924, the church belongs to the commune of Riom-ès-Montagnes. Its exterior decoration includes symbolic motifs such as a naked woman holding a snake and a toad, surrounded by a centauress. These elements underscore its heritage and artistic importance in the region.

The building reflects the architectural and religious evolution of the Haute-Auvergne, mixing Romanesque influences and later additions. Its status as a historical monument and its sculptural richness make it a valuable testimony of local medieval sacred art.

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