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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens de Rives, located in the Lot-et-Garonne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a 12th-century religious building. Originally chapel of a Benedictine priory dependent on the abbey of Aurillac, it became parish church after the destruction of the priory and the old church during the wars of Religion. Today, only the great apse and the right apsidiole, as well as two historic capitals, one of which represents two monks in robe and coat, remain.

The priory, used as a fortress, was demolished in the 16th century, leaving room for a rebuilt church with three naves and a triangular gable bell tower. The building retains remarkable architectural elements, such as the extra-backed arches of the apse and fragments of medieval sculptures re-used in construction. In 1950, the church belonged to the commune of Rives and witnessed the religious and architectural history of the region.

The remains of the 12th century, including interlaced capitals and outdoor sculptures, offer a glimpse of local Romanesque art. One of the capitals, built above the door, and the other, kept inside, illustrate the know-how of the artisans of the time. These elements, combined with the current structure, reflect the transformations of the building over the centuries, between destruction and reconstruction.

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