Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Sainte-Madeleine de Beurlay, located in the Charente-Maritime department in New Aquitaine, is a religious building dating back to the 12th century. Its architecture reflects this period, with a unique nave without sidelines and a broken cradle choir, finished with a cul-de-four apse. The western gate, partially restored, and the massive square bell tower, dated the 14th century, testify to stylistic evolutions and later additions.

The choir, separated from the nave by a triple ressalt arch, is reinforced by prominent pillars, suggesting that it was able to withstand a bell tower today gone. The historic capitals and the cornice modillons, as well as the blind windows and bays in the middle of the upper floors of the abside, illustrate the know-how of medieval artisans. The building, which has been listed as a historical monument since 1977, belongs to the commune and remains a characteristic example of the region's rural religious heritage.

The bell tower, located to the right of the nave, is distinguished by its arches in third point between the pilasters and its angles, typical of Gothic architecture. The four support pillars still visible recall the initial structure of the church, while the three floors of l-abside, separated by columns, add to the architectural complexity of the monument. These elements, combined with the Creative Commons license of the available photos, make it a subject of study for the enthusiasts of history and sacred art.

External links