Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul de Casseneuil, located in the Lot-et-Garonne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, finds its origins in a Romanesque construction destroyed in 1214 during the siege of the city by Simon de Montfort. Only two Roman capitals, re-used in the lower north side, remain from that time. The building is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul from the 13th century, marking a transition to a dualist religious vocation.

The current structure results mainly from a major work campaign in the 15th and 16th centuries, giving the church its dominant Gothic style. The side walls, partly made of stone in the east and brick elsewhere, frame a choir decorated with frescoes dated from the beginning of the sixteenth century. The western portal, flamboyant Gothic style, is surmounted by a rose with hollowed compartments, typical of this period. These artistic and architectural elements illustrate the evolution of techniques and tastes between the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The history of the church is also marked by structural hazards and urban changes. In the 17th century, the apse of the choir collapsed in the Léde River, weakening the building. In the 19th century, the lowering of the court floor in 1850, linked to the destruction of the nearby Saint Joseph Gate, led to the construction of a staircase in front of the gate. These changes reflect the adaptation of the building to the changing needs of the city.

Ranked a historic monument by decree of 19 November 1910, the church enjoys significant restorations in the 20th century. The portal and frescoes were preserved between 1959 and 1960 by the architect Mastorakis, then in 1979 by F. Corrouge and the painter Genovisio. These interventions highlight the heritage importance of the site, while maintaining its cultural use and historical value for the commune of Casseneuil.

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