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Origin and history

The fortified church of Inières, also called Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativity, is located in the village of Inières, on the commune of Sainte-Radegonde (Aveyron). Built in the 13th century, it was fortified in the 14th century under the authority of the Bishop of Rodez, who authorized its transformation into a defensive refuge for the inhabitants, without proper fortification. A 1442 text specifies the access rights reserved for the bishop and the rector, as well as the perpetual use of a room above the choir for the prior.

The monument combines a 13th century nave and a 14th century dungeon, crowned with mâchicoulis and flanked by two corbelled turrets. A small central bell tower completes the whole. Inside, several floors house rooms served by a corridor, with traces of murals. The church, a former priory of Santiago, was ceded by the bishop of Rodez to the canons of the cathedral as a prebend, including Hélion de Jouffroy, great singer and founder of the Chartreuse de Rodez in 1511.

Ranked a historic monument on January 4, 1921, the church was inspired by the structures of the nearby fortified church of Sainte-Radegonde. Its architecture reflects the protection needs of rural populations during medieval conflicts, while maintaining its religious function. The estate near Caumels, linked to the Chartreuse de Rodez, bears witness to local ecclesiastical networks.

Prehistoric traces (acheulean tools dating from ~320,000 years) have been discovered near the village, but the written history of the building begins with its medieval construction. The church remains today owned by the commune of Sainte-Radegonde, with a precise location at 1 Rue de l'Église (code INSEE 12241).

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