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Origin and history

Saint-Martial de Sainte-Fortunade Church is a Roman Catholic religious building built in the 12th century. It is located in the commune of Sainte-Fortunade, in Corrèze, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. According to the sources, it was erected on the site of an old building mentioned as early as 894 in the cartular of Tulle Abbey. Originally, the parish was dedicated to Saint-Martial, bishop of Limoges, before adopting the term Sainte-Fortunade, a martyr whose relics, in transit to Burgundy, would have manifested the desire to remain there by miracles near the fountain of Chabrignac.

The church has been partially classified as historical monuments since 26 January 1927, especially for its apse and bell tower. The sanctuary and the choir, in Romanesque style, have notable architectural features: cut out panels pierced with bays in full hangar, carved crows, and adorned capitals. Among these, one represents two warriors in period costume, while another Saint-Pierre watch gives a lacrosse to Saint-Martial. The bell tower, square in shape, overcomes the choir.

The building houses several protected objects, including reliquaries dedicated to Saint Fortunade, as well as a statuette of Virgin of Pitié. These elements testify to its historical and religious importance, especially as a place of pilgrimage. The local legend, linked to the relics of Saint Fortunade, reinforces its emblematic character in the Correzian and Limousin heritage.

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