Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lagupie, located in the Lot-et-Garonne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a religious building dating back to the 12th century. From this Romanesque period the facade, the choir and the portal remain today, the latter being particularly remarkable for his historied sculptures, including a representation of Daniel in the lions' pit. The building has undergone major modifications over the centuries, especially in 1869, when a Bordeaux architect extended the nave from 3 to 4 meters and replaced the bell tower with an arrow, while modernizing the vault of the choir.

The Romanesque portal, classified as a historical monument in 1925, is distinguished by its four columns with adorned capitals and its tympanum divided into six bas-reliefs. These sculptures, although eroded by the weather, represent characters, fantastic animals and a monogram, interpreted by some as Christian symbols (such as the fish, emblem of Christ). Father Barrère and Georges Tholin, in his architectural studies, stress the importance of this portal as a witness to local Romanesque art, despite subsequent restorations.

The nave, rebuilt in the 15th century, contrasts with the Romanesque elements by its late Gothic style. It is composed of three spans bordered with bottoms, while the abside retains five original windows. The capitals of the triumphal arch, redone, illustrate biblical scenes such as the fall of Eve. Although the facade was restored, its Romanesque portal remained intact, offering a rare example of medieval iconography in the region.

The church, owned by the municipality of Lagupie, embodies the architectural and religious evolution of the Agenas, mixing Romanesque heritage and subsequent adaptations. Its partial classification (Western façade) in 1925 underscores its heritage value, while sources such as Monumentum and Georges Tholin's works document its history and transformations.

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