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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Cadillac, located in the hamlet of Cadillac on the commune of Roumagne (Lot-et-Garonne), is a Catholic religious building built in the 12th century. It represents a typical example of Romanesque architecture, with stylistic features well preserved despite some later modifications. Its southern portal, particularly remarkable, is inspired by the interior doors of the monastery of Leyre in Navarre, with historic capitals and a tympanum divided into three symbolic compartments.

In the 18th century, the church's cure was attached to the archpriesty of Lauzun, during which time several windows were enlarged and a sacristy added to the north of the choir. The building was listed as historic monuments on January 24, 2011, recognizing its heritage value. The southern gate, adorned with sculptures depicting biblical scenes such as the temptation of Adam and Eve or the charity of Saint Martin, as well as animal and plant motifs, bears witness to a refined craftsmanship for the time.

The portal tympanum, framed by rinceaux, features the Paschal Lamb in the centre, surrounded by two birds with heads facing outwards, perhaps symbolizing the victory of the spirit over the body. These decorative elements, combined with the original Romanesque structure, make this church an emblematic monument of New Aquitaine's religious heritage. Historical sources, such as Magdeleine Ferry and Georges Tholin's studies, underline its architectural importance in the region.

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