First written entry 1169 (≈ 1169)
Letter from Adhémar Charbonel, bishop of Saintes.
XIIe siècle
Initial construction
Initial construction XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Saintongese Romanesque building erected.
XVe siècle
Major renovations
Major renovations XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Architectural changes made.
23 février 1912
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 23 février 1912 (≈ 1912)
Official protection of the building.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Façade: by order of 23 February 1912
Key figures
Saint Vivien - Holy patron
Tomb transformed into a canonical church.
Adhémar Charbonel - Bishop of Saints (1169)
Author of a letter mentioning the church.
Geoffroy III de Pons - Local Lord (+1152)
Founder of the Pilgrim Hospital.
Origin and history
The church of Saint-Vivian de Pons, built in the 12th century, embodies the Romanesque style of Saintonge. It is mentioned in 1169 in a letter from Adhémar Charbonel, bishop of Saintes, who evokes the tomb of Saint Vivien transformed into a canonical church. Originally priorized, it became the parish church of Pons, located near the Hospital of Pilgrims, founded by Geoffroy III of Pons (+1152), and the church of Saint Martin (before 1060).
The building, renovated in the 15th century, has a Romanesque facade without bell tower, decorated with a five-pillared porch and blind arches. Two dissymmetric campanile bell towers overlook the structure, while the interior reveals a cul-de-four choir and a four-span nave. The wooden ceilings and the windows in full hanger highlight its typical architecture.
Classified as a historic monument in 1912, Saint-Vivian illustrates the religious and architectural heritage of the Saintonge. Its portal, empty niches and remodeled geminate bay testify to stylistic evolutions between Romanesque and Gothic. The lateral chapel, serving as a Baptistery, completes this emblematic collection of local heritage.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review