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Origin and history

The St. Mary's Church of Sarlat-la-Canéda is a Gothic building that began construction in 1368, after the inhabitants decided to replace their ruined parish church. The works, financed by a local tax (a "second tenth"), were launched under the direction of architect Jacques Caviale, but interrupted by the Franco-English wars linked to the breakdown of the Treaty of Bretigny (1369). The city, which remained faithful to the king of England, was besieged by French troops in 1370, delaying the construction for decades.

The work resumed partially in the 15th century: the choir and last span were completed and covered in 1431, before a new break. It was only in 1479, under the direction of architect Pierre Esclanche, that the nave, facade, large door and bell tower were built. The church was finally consecrated on 5 April 1507 by Bishop Armand of Gontaut-Biron, marking the culmination of a construction site that spanned nearly 140 years. Its history reflects the region's political and economic turbulence.

Disused in 1794 and sold in 1815, the church was partially destroyed to recover its stones, while the nave was used in turn as a bakery, shop and post office. Ranked a historic monument in 1905, it was rehabilitated in 2001 by architect Jean Nouvel, who transformed it into a covered market with mezzanines and cultural space. A built-in lift at the bell tower now offers panoramic views of Sarlat.

The last parish priest, Abbé Pierre Pontard, became constitutional bishop of Périgueux. The church thus illustrates the religious, political and urban changes of the Dordogne, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era.

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