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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Mary de Colamine, located in Vodable en Auvergne, is a 12th century Romanesque building, although some sources evoke a partial origin in the 11th century. It is the central element of the local heritage, isolated in the middle of the fields in the hamlet of Colamine-sub-Vodable. Its rustic architecture is distinguished by a nave accompanied by an incomplete south side, a transept covered with a dome on trunks, and a bell tower overlooking the cross. The roofs, typical of the region, are covered with lauzes without visible structure. Inside, the transept features trunk arches adorned with carved damiers and modillons (foils, human heads, geometric patterns), while the capitals of the columns display vegetal decorations.

The church initially housed five statues classified as historical monuments, four of which date from the Middle Ages. It belonged from the 11th century to the priory of Sauxillanges, emphasizing its religious and historical anchor. The absence of a structure and the use of lauze for blankets reflect the local constructive techniques common to the former churches of the region. The semicircular choir, the northern chapel and the incomplete southern collateral complete this sober but remarkable architectural ensemble.

Classified in the inventory of historical monuments by order of 20 August 1956, the church Saint-Mary de Colamine is now owned by the municipality of Vodable. Its state of conservation and isolation make it a precious testimony of auvergnat Romanesque art, marked by a refined interior decoration contrasting with its rustic exterior appearance. Sources also mention a geographical location accuracy considered "a priori satisfactory", with an approximate address at Colamine, near Vodable.

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