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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Saint-Symphorian church of Haimps is a Catholic building located in the department of Charente-Maritime, New Aquitaine. Its initial construction dates back to the 12th century, but the destruction of the English occupation led to major reconstructions in the 15th century. These transformations explain the coexistence of various architectural styles, such as the bell tower novel and the flamboyant Gothic for some bays.

The monument adopts a Latin cross plan, with a unique nave and a flat bedside rebuilt in the 15th century. The western gate, with two windows, is surmounted by a gable wall and a three arched floor. The north facade preserves 12th century windows, richly decorated, while the square bell tower, Romanesque-inspired, has two windows in the middle of each side. Traces of frescoes remain in the northern absidiole, testimonies of medieval decorations.

Ranked a historical monument in 1983, the church illustrates the architectural evolution and political upheavals of the region. Its flamboyant gothic bedside and Romanesque elements make it a representative example of the Charentais religious heritage, marked by the conflicts between the kingdoms of France and England during the Middle Ages.

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