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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of Notre-Dame de Genouillé is a Catholic religious building located in the commune of Genouillé, Charente-Maritime, New Aquitaine. It is distinguished by an architecture combining two epochs: the nave and facade, characteristic of the twelfth century, contrast with the choir, rebuilt in the fourteenth century. This stylistic mix illustrates medieval architectural developments in this region of the French West.

Inside the church houses remarkable elements, such as a funeral liter decorated with two coats of arms. The first, with the weapons of Alexander de Morell (d These coats of arms, placed on a cross of Malta and surrounded by the cordon of Saint Louis, testify to the historical importance of the local families. A screw staircase, integrated in the thickness of the walls, leads to the vaults and is protected by a defense chamber, rare detail highlighting its defensive role past.

In terms of heritage, the church has enjoyed double recognition. The bell tower and facade were classified as historical monuments in 1914, while the rest of the building (excluding classified parts) was listed in 1996. These successive protections reflect the architectural and historical value of this place of worship, anchored in the religious and cultural landscape of Charente-Maritime.

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