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Origin and history

The Sainte-Foy-de-Jérusalem church of Pont-du-Casse, built between the 12th and 15th centuries, is an ancient commandory whose origins remain obscure. Some historians, such as Georges Tholin, suggest a foundation by the Templars, but his membership in the Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem was attested as early as 1313, even before the official devolution of Templar goods in 1318. This commandery, dependent on that of Sauvagnas, owned land in several surrounding parishes, including Artigues and Sainte-Gemme.

During the Hundred Years' War, the site played a strategic role: occupied by the English in 1317, it served as a military base to control the approaches of Agen. In 1327, the Hospitallers, authorized by the king of France, took over the command and strengthened it, provided they remained under French suzeraineté. The castle was finally destroyed around 1347 during the fighting between French and English. The cadastres of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries confirm the integration of the parish of Sainte-Foy into the jurisdiction of Agen.

The present church preserves Romanesque elements, such as an apse narrower than the nave, typical of the merovingian or Carolingian oratories. A side chapel was added in the 15th century, while carved models adorn the sanctuary. After centuries of decline, the building, in ruins in the 20th century, was restored from 1965 by local volunteers. The frame and bell tower were repaired in 1974 and 2000. Ranked a historical monument in 1973, the church today illustrates the legacy of military and religious orders in Aquitaine.

The prosperity of the prefecture in the 16th century is attested by its 54 families of tenancies and its famous vineyards, whose plants were exported to other hospital estates. Conflicts with the city of Agen, particularly over tax duties, marked its medieval history. Modern stained glass windows and the canal tile roof, replacing an old cradle, testify to contemporary adaptations.

The sources, including the works of Georges Tholin and Antoine Du Bourg, highlight his role in Agenese religious architecture. The archives also mention its inclusion in the networks of Gascones commanderies, between templière influence and hospital, before its definitive integration into the communal heritage.

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