Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Eutrope de Meyrals, located in the Dordogne department in New Aquitaine, is a religious building built mainly in the twelfth century. Key elements such as the bell tower, the nave, the choir and the abside remain from this period. The atypical orientation of the church, northeast/southwest rather than east/west, distinguishes it from other Catholic churches. It is dedicated to Saint Eutropus, the first bishop of Saints in the third or fourth centuries, highlighting his historical and spiritual anchoring in the region.

In the 15th or 16th century, the lords of Beynac, installed at the nearby castle of La Roque, erected the southern chapel, called the Virgin, which serves as a funeral chapel. This addition reflects the influence of local noble families on religious architecture. Further modifications were made later: the sacristy was added in the 18th century north of the choir, while the northern chapel, dedicated to Saint Joseph, was built in 1865. The portal, destroyed during the Wars of Religion around 1587, was rebuilt in the 18th century in a classic style, illustrating the transformations suffered by the building over the centuries.

The restorations and important events also mark its history. In 1843, the bell tower-wall was restored, and in 1907, the collapse of the nave's lauze roof led to its replacement by a tile roof, while the choir retained its original cover. These interventions demonstrate ongoing efforts to preserve this heritage. Finally, the church has been listed as historical monuments since 3 July 2007, recognizing its architectural and historical value for the Black Perigord region.

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