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Origin and history

The priory of Rauzet, founded at the end of the 12th century by the hermit brothers of the order of Grandmont, is part of an austere monastic movement born in Limousin after the death of Stephen of Muret in 1124. Set on the edge of the forest of Horte, at the edge of the dioceses of Angoulême and Périgueux, this priory reflected the ideal of extreme poverty of order, while benefiting from local donations (domains, ponds, mill). Directed by a conversant monk to free the clerics from material tasks, he also welcomed the pilgrims, numerous in this region under the influence of the lords of Villebois and La Rochebeaucourt. The archives having disappeared, only architectural clues date the first constructions of the early 13th century.

The golden age of the priory extends from the 13th to the 14th century, supported notably by Henry II of England, protector of the greatmontain order. Unlike other sites, Rauzet remained faithful to the original simplicity, despite the influx of donations. Although some sources suggest a connection to the Cistercian Abbey of Grosbot, 3 km away, no charter confirms this link. The successive crises (the Hundred Years War, the Wars of Religion) weakened the site, before it was abolished in 1772 with the greatmontain order. Sold as a national good at the Revolution, the chapel was transformed into a barn, while oak trees grew on its roof.

The church (25 m x 6.5 m), a pure example of Grandmontan architecture, is distinguished by its unique nave vaulted in a broken cradle, blind on the sides but illuminated by three bays oriented towards the altar. The choir, slightly wider than the nave, housed a double swimming pool and two armaria (liturgical nests). A northern gate, intended for pilgrims, and a south gate for conversants completed the building. The excavations revealed the remains of the refectory, of the cloister, and of a monastic kitchen transformed into a house after the abandonment of the priory. The devotional fountain known as "Mardi Gras" and the cemetery, located at the bedside of the church, bear witness to its later parish role.

Ranked Historic Monument in 1992 (after partial registration in 1987), the site was bought in 1991 by a civil society and ASEG Rauzet association. Between 1993 and 2009, major restorations (the vault, the roof, the stained glass windows) gave life to the church, while a stage cottage was installed in the old barn west wing. Today, the priory combines heritage preservation and welcoming vocation, thus perpetuating its tradition of medieval hospitality.

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