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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-de-la-Croix de Montastruc, located in the Lot-et-Garonne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a 12th century religious building. It is distinguished by its Romanesque architecture, in particular its bedside composed of three parallel apses, including the main apse adorned with an arcature on bahut and preserving traces of painted decoration under coating. The walls, built of tufted stone and bellstone, support an apparent 16th century structure, while the triangular bell tower, pierced by three campanary bays, dates from the 14th or 15th century. The nave, which was originally wide and vaulted, was partially restored, especially after the wars of Religion, which caused little damage to it.

The church has undergone several change campaigns over the centuries. The apsidioles, initially lower and arched in cul-de-four, were raised during major restorations in the 16th century, when the western facade and the frame were also redone. The collapsed northern absidiole was rebuilt in the 1960s, while the southern sacristy was added between the 18th and 19th centuries. The building, which was listed as a historic monument on September 11, 1997, also includes the floor of the adjoining cemetery. Its south wrought iron gate comes from the church of Saint-Étienne-de-Périllac, adding an additional historical touch to the site.

The church Saint-Pierre-de-la-Croix illustrates the Romanesque religious architecture of the Ages, with visible local influences in the use of tuff and moellons. The capitals of the main apse suggest construction in the mid-12th century, while subsequent restorations, especially in the 16th century, reflect adaptations to liturgical needs and damage suffered. The building, owned by the commune, remains an important testimony of the religious and architectural heritage of the region, as evidenced by the references in the works of Georges Tholin (1883) and its inscription in the bases Mérimée and Clochers of France.

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