Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Olérat, located in La Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois (New Aquitaine), is a 12th century religious building. It is distinguished by its facade adorned with three carved motifs, embedded in the wall and classified as Historical Monuments since 1942. These sculptures, on the first floor, represent evangelical symbols: an ox (or St Luke) in the north, a lion (or St Mark) in the south, and a lamb in the centre, placed on a stylized altar. Each figure is surrounded by decorative elements such as foliage rinsels or mouldings, highlighting their iconographic importance.

The protected elements of the church of Olérat specifically include these three sculptures, recognized for their artistic and religious value. The building, owned by the municipality, is located at 5 Chemin de la Chapelle, although the accuracy of this address is considered satisfactory a priori (note 6/10). No information is available on its current accessibility (visits, rentals, accommodation).

The Angoumois region, where La Rochefoucauld is located, was in the 12th century a territory marked by the influence of local lords and the development of Romanesque art. The churches of this period played a central role in community life, serving as places of worship, gathering and symbols of spiritual and temporal power. Olérat's sculptures, with their evangelical representations, illustrate this didactic and sacred function, typical of medieval religious buildings.

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