Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Saint-Eulalie Church in Saint-Aulaye, listed as a Historic Monument in 1946, is an emblematic example of the 12th century Charentaise Romanesque architecture. It is made up of a vaulted nave in a cradle, side-slopes covered with arches, and a transept surmounted by a square bell tower. The semicircular apse, with a cul-de-four, and the capitals adorned with interlaces and grotesque figures, illustrate the artistic richness of this period. The porch, with its six arches in the middle, and the western facade, surmounted by a triangular pediment, bear witness to a harmonious and symbolic design.

The priory, founded in the 12th century, left as remains the apse, the forechoir and the central part of the facade. At the end of the Middle Ages, the bell tower was rebuilt over a vault over a cross of warheads, marking a stylistic evolution. In 1867, a restoration by contractor Texier added the south side, partially modifying the original structure. The sculptures of the capitals, representing monster fighting and fantastic characters, reflect the beliefs and medieval imagination.

The building, owned by the municipality, is now protected for its architectural and historical heritage. Its roof, partly covered with flat and hollow tiles, and its intact decorative elements make it a remarkable site of the Dordogne. The location, although considered satisfactory, and the available sources (Monumentum, Merimée base) confirm its importance in the regional cultural landscape.

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