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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Sainte-Croix de Sainte-Croix, located in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a religious building of Romanesque architecture built in the 12th century. It is characterized by a main nave with bottom side, a cradle vault, and a cupola on pendants covering the false transept. The semicircular apse, covered with a cul-de-four, and the arches adorned with historied capital columns testify to his Romanesque style. Outside, the walls were raised, but the two round apses retained their original stone cover, probably present on the entire building in medieval times.

The monument has been classified as historic monuments since 12 July 1886, recognizing its heritage value. Consolidation and restoration work was carried out in 1898 and 1906, particularly on the western façade and the eastern gable of the nave. The Romanesque sculpture, visible inside (chapitals of the choir, representation of Adam and Eve) and outside (modillons of the apses and the bedside), enriches his artistic interest. This church remains the only remaining standing testimony of a dome church in its canton, illustrating the medieval architectural heritage of the region.

The location of the church, in the village of Sainte-Croix, makes it a central element of the local heritage. Its communal property and classification make it a preserved place, although the practical information on its visit or current use is not detailed in the available sources. Bibliographical references, such as Jacques Gardelles's work, underline its importance in the study of the religious architecture of the Black Perigord, particularly at the 1979 Archaeological Congress of France.

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