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Origin and history

Sainte-Croix Church, also known as Saint-Martin-et-Sainte-Croix, is a Catholic building located in the village of Allas-les-Mines, in Black Perigord (Dordogne). Mentioned in 1218 in a stiletto of the diocese of Périgueux, it has undergone destruction and transformations over the centuries, erasing any visible trace of its Romanesque origin. Today, its facade, with its arch bell tower and cylindrical staircase turret decorated with murderers, is its most remarkable architectural element.

The nave of the church, divided into three vaulted spans of ridges, and its vaulted choir in cul-de-four, reflect a typical structure of medieval religious buildings. The portal, with three archvolts in third-point, and the bell tower-wall pierced with campanary bays, illustrate a sober yet elaborate style. Two carved shields, representing quadrupeds and a bovide head, add a symbolic touch to the facade. The building, owned by the commune, was listed as historical monuments on 3 April 1984 for its facade and turret.

Historically, the church depended in the 13th century on the archiprired of Paleyrac and was linked to the collegiate church of Saint-Cyprien. In 1439, the Sir of Turenne liberated Allas-les-Mines, then occupied by the English, reintegrating her into the French domain. This context reflects the regional tensions of the Hundred Years War. Later additions to the lateral chapels and the 19th-century layouts reflect a continuous evolution, adapted to the cultural and community needs.

The stair turret, pierced by murderers, suggests a secondary defensive function, common in churches in rural areas exposed to conflict. The female head carved on its southern face and the heraldic shields recall the importance of the symbols of power and protection in medieval times. These details, combined with sober architecture, make the church a representative example of the religious and military heritage of the Périgord.

Today, the Church of St. Croix remains a place of worship and an architectural testimony of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Its inscription in historic monuments underscores its heritage value, both for its history and its stylistic characteristics. The location in Black Perigord, a region rich in medieval sites, makes it a notable step for lovers of art and religious history.

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