Saint-Pierre Abbey
Its typical 18th century style is of simple and classic elegance. One can notice the beautiful arrangement of the facades, the porch going down into the park designed in the English style, the banisters of the stairs and the interior woodwork. The abbey church of Saint Pierre depended on the adjoining abbey. Its construction dates back to the 11th-12th century, then rebuilt in the 14th, 16th and 19th centuries. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque art of Saintongeaise inspiration.
About this building
The church and the abbot's residence form an ensemble of the highest interest. The abbey, founded certainly before the 12th century, was built on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa. Remains of the ancient abbey include the remains of arcades, vaulted cellars, the foundations of some of the present walls, a bread oven and the wall of the old vat room. Vast nave with two side aisles, barrel vaulted ambulatory on which three chapels open, the one in the square centre, the others in the semi-dome. In the nave, sculptures of the capitals of the first bays linked by semicircular arches, stalls with carved 15th century armrests as well as a wooden lectern. Near the south door, a 15th century stone pedicled baptismal font.
