Church of Saint-Martin, Cahuzac
The chapel of Cahuzac Castle was built between 1500 and 1600. The building is a rare example of late Gothic style in the area. In 1771, with the old parish church of the village having been destroyed, the baroness of La Rochefoucauld gave up the chapel of the castle to the inhabitants of the parish of Cahuzac. The church was restored in the 1880s, and the stained glass windows are from this restoration.
About this building
The Saint-Martin church is located in Cahuzac, in the diocese of Albi. The history of the village is closely linked to that of its feudal castle, which was built around 1259. The fortification was intended to protect the valley of the Dropt, as it was a likely invasion route. Thus, the castle found itself engaged in the conflicts of the Hundred Years War (in the English camp) and then in the wars of religion on the Protestant side. Throughout the centuries, illustrious people frequented the castle such as Rabelais, Henri de Navarre and the Duke of La Rochefoucauld.
The chapel of the castle was built between 1500 and 1600 on the order of Estissac. The building, a rare example of the late Gothic style in the area, has a rectangular plan with a single two-span nave and a flat chevet choir. The nave is covered with a star vault, with liernes and tiercerons. Illuminated by six flamboyant bays, it opens with a triple-arched portal surmounted by a triangular pediment, pierced by three bell-shaped bays with two bells. On the north side a square bell tower with three arches including a spiral staircase provides access to the frame.
In 1771, with the old parish church of the village having been destroyed, the baroness of Cahuzac, Louise-Élisabeth de La Rochefoucauld (1716-1797) gave the chapel to the inhabitants of the parish of Cahuzac. The church was restored in the 1880s, and it is from this time that the stained glass windows date. In 2009, a piece of fresco depicting the crucifixion of Jesus was discovered by chance.
