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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne de Bouëx, mentioned in 1146, was given to the abbey of Saint-Cybard by Pope Eugene III. This monument, partially ruined by the Calvinists, bears witness to a turbulent history linked to religious conflicts and the Hundred Years' Wars. Its architecture combines defensive elements such as a fortified narthex and bays suitable for darbalete shooting, reflecting its strategic role close to a castle.

After 1631, the building was restored, and again in the 19th century, with a brick vault of the nave in 1872. The bedside, dated from the last third of the 12th century, has adorned dogid vaults and sculptural details such as besant or saw teeth. The facade preserves traces of fortifications (breche, quadrangular bellet), illustrating medieval military adaptations.

Classified as a Historic Monument in 2009, this church embodies stylistic evolutions and debates on heritage restoration. His three-span nave, his false square and his elevated choir reveal a superimposition of constructive techniques, from Romanesque origins to modern interventions. The link with the neighbouring castle underlines its importance in the local feudal organization.

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