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Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint Vincent de Xaintes, located in Belhade in the Landes, finds its origins in the 11th century with the construction of the apse and the nave. The bell tower-wall, dated from the middle of the 12th century, has a Romanesque portal adorned with a chrism and mutilated capitals evoking temptation and evil. These Romanesque elements, typical of medieval art, mark the first architectural phase of the monument.

Between the end of the 14th and early 15th centuries, the church underwent major changes: external foothills were added, and Gothic bays with fills pierced the walls. In the 15th century, a rectangular chapel, vaulted with quadripartite warheads, was attached to the northeast of the nave and enlarged to the west shortly after its construction. These transformations reflect the evolution of architectural styles and the liturgical needs of the time.

The chapel contains remarkable painted decorations, including a person with attached hands discovered in 1997 under layers of coating. Dated from the late 15th century, this smiling patron, dressed in a surcot, holds a phylacter with the remains of inscription. The vault key of the chapel carries the shield of the Lane family, lords of Belhade from 1415 to 1592, highlighting their patronage. Other decorative elements, such as an angel's head and ochre rinsels, adorn the ceilings.

The wooden porch, often refected, cannot be dated with certainty. Below the church, Saint Anne's source was famous in the Middle Ages for its lactogenic virtues, attracting women from the Leyre Valley. This fountain, linked to popular beliefs, illustrates the social and spiritual role of the building in the local community.

Since July 30, 1968, Saint Vincent de Xaintes Church has been a rich religious and artistic heritage, mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance influences. Its progressive restoration revealed hidden treasures, providing valuable insight into the history of Belhade and his lords.

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