Blessed with an exceptional religious heritage, visitors can marvel at the sometimes-majestic country churches and solitary, hilltop chapels. Romanesque art is omnipresent, and lovers of architecture and traditional stonework will be captivated.
Churches and chapels built of local volcanic stone, basalt, trachyte and phonolite will delight lovers of traditional stonework. Volcanic stone is used in ashlars, bell towers, capitals and cornice brackets. It acts as a support for numerous sculptures, as if to highlight the talent of these artists who have fallen into oblivion.
Cornice bracket on the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Allanche
They were built in the 11th and 12th centuries and convey an impression of solidity and strength. They are built from local volcanic stone, with nothing superfluous, to withstand the climatic conditions. Some mark the site of ancient pagan places of worship, while others are placed on rocky promontories, the former location of fortresses or defensive sites.
Their elevated position is intriguing. They sometimes seem isolated or forgotten, although doesn’t this isolation enhance their unusual architecture even more?
The chapel of Saint-Antoine in Chastel-sur-Murat, reminiscent of a buron hut
The authenticity, simplicity of the stylistic lines and lavish furnishings will delight lovers of traditional stonework. Curious visitors and art enthusiasts alike can explore these buildings on a pleasant hiking trip or on a guided tour!
Chapel of Bredons
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