Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Saint-Yrieix Church, located in Saint-Yrieix-sous-Aixe in Haute-Vienne, is a religious building built in the 12th century in a Romanesque style. It was partially rebuilt in the 15th century in a Gothic style, thus combining two significant architectural periods. The western facade and the vaulted sanctuary of ridges, typical of the Limousin novel, are the only remains of the original medieval era. The church underwent major restorations, notably in 1962, and was listed as a historical monument in 1985.

The architecture of the church is characterized by two parallel naves with two square spans, vaulted with warheads, a rare arrangement in the area. The most recent stained glass window, designed by Francis Chigot shortly before his death in 1960, is a notable feature. The other stained glass windows come from the Atelier du vitrail, Chigot's successor. The western facade, typical of the Romanesque churches of Limousin, and the bell tower comb, highlighted by a stone bandeau, bear witness to its medieval heritage.

Historically, the church was under the authority of the bishop of Limoges for the appointments of priests, a right transferred to the abbess of the Rule around 1569. The reconstruction work in 1496 marked a Gothic transformation, while subsequent repairs, such as those of 1742, 1780, and the restorations of the 19th century, preserved its integrity. The addition of a southern lateral chapel and a northern chapel in the 15th century enriched its structure, reflecting its architectural and religious evolution.

External links