Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Priory of Notre-Dame de Puymartin, located in La Chapelle-Faucher in the Dordogne, finds its origins in the early twelfth century. It was built by a monk named Fuchurius, whose name evolved to give that of the village: La Chapelle-Faucher. The church, originally attached to the abbey of Charroux before 1101, was confirmed in this dependence by Bishop William II of Auberoche. This priory, modest in size (single nave and flat bedside), became a central place of worship for the local community, before being partially destroyed during the Hundred Years War by the Black Prince.

In the 15th century, the monument underwent a major reconstruction phase. In 1485, the western gable wall was rebuilt, and the entrance was moved to the south-west wall, reusing existing carved elements, including a Virgin with Child above the gate. The seigneurial family of Bruc-Chabans adjusted a side chapel in Renaissance style, serving as a family burial. The 16th century murals, rediscovered in 1991 after being hidden under a coating in the 19th century, include a remarkable Jessé tree in the choir. These elements illustrate the artistic and religious evolution of the site between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The priory was also marked by links with ecclesiastical figures, such as the visit of the archbishop of Bordeaux (later Pope Clement V) in 1304, or the presence of the comandate prior Pupier de Brioude in 1789. Ranked historic monument in 1938 for its ruins, then in 1948 for the whole priory, the site benefited from recent restorations (roof and crepe in 2007). Its architecture thus blends Romanesque heritage, Gothic traces, and Renaissance additions, reflecting a turbulent history between abandonment, reconstruction and rediscovery.

It should be noted that the priory was also a commandory of the order of St John of Jerusalem, annexed in 1373 to that of St Paul's Rock. The facade preserves carved stones, including a head supporting a cross above the porch, while a staircase with screws in a square tower bears witness to its medieval spatial organization. These architectural details, combined with murals, are a significant example of rural religious heritage in New Aquitaine.

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