Church of Saint-Vincent
The Church of Saint-Vincent, registered with the Historical Monuments, is located in Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse, in the New-Aquitaine region. This 12th century church is a gem of medieval design. The building has a very simple architectural plan that has hardly been altered, so that it still presents a homogeneous appearance. Decorations such as modillions on the chancel cornice, sundials and a burial liter bear witness to the past glory of the church. Among the furniture, there is a large altarpiece dedicated to Saint Vincent.
About this building
The Church of Saint-Vincent, registered with the Historical Monuments, is located in Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse, in the New-Aquitaine region. This 12th century church is a Romanesque building, and given the relatively few number of restorative works, still presents a united design. Devastated and deprived of maintenance during the Revolution, this medieval gem has been gradually abandoned, and the construction of a new church in 1862, means that the ‘Old Church’ is no longer used, except for burials. However, the church is located on a major historic site where several sarcophagi, dating from the Merovingian period (from the 6th to the 8th century), were discovered in the adjoining cemetery.
The old church has a very simple architectural plan that has hardly been altered. It consists of a single, narrow nave opening to a triumphal semicircular arch with a lower and vaulted cradle with a flat chevet. A rectangular, two-bay bell tower is found on top of the gable. The canopy protecting the western facade is later than the Romanesque period, as is the access on the south side. Decorations such as modillions on the chancel cornice, sundials and a burial liter reflect the past luster of this building.
Inside, there is a large altarpiece dedicated to Saint Vincent, consisting of several paintings and restored ancient murals.
