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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint John Baptist Church in Limalonges is an emblematic building of regional Romanesque architecture, mainly built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Its apse and entrance gate, characteristic of the Romanesque style, most probably date back to the 11th century, while its structure – composed of a nave, a choir and a vaulted apse in a cradle – reflects the construction techniques of the time. The square bell tower, an important element of its silhouette, crowns the ensemble, and the historic capitals bear witness to a remarkable artistic know-how for this period.

In the 15th century, a Gothic-style lower side was added to the north of the building, illustrating a late architectural evolution and an adaptation to the liturgical or demographic needs of the community. This blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles gives the church a special heritage value. Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 11 April 1975, it now belongs to the municipality of Limalonges and remains a tangible testimony of the religious and artistic history of Poitou, integrated since 2016 in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

The location of the church, specified as "passable" (note 5/10) in the databases, corresponds to the following address: 3 Impasse de l'Église, dans le département des Deux-Sèvres (79). Its simple plan, typical of rural churches, as well as its protected elements (Cadastre E 863) underline its importance in local heritage. Available sources, including Monumentum, confirm its status as a building representative of Poitevin Romanesque constructions, enriched by later Gothic additions.

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