Eglise Saint-André
ChurchHidden Treasure
Eglise Saint-André, located in Saint-André-d'Allas (Dordogne), is a Renaissance château built in the 16th century. The monument is currently closed to visitors.
Key facts
- Type
- Church
- Period
- Renaissance (16th century)
- Location
- Saint-André-d'Allas, Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Visit
- Closed to visitors
- GPS
- 44.8856, 1.1671
- Mérimée Reference
- PA00082796
Nestling in the heart of the Périgord Noir, Saint-André d'Allas church reveals a rare superimposition of 14th and 15th century Gothic ribbing, living testimony to the medieval reconstructions that shaped this rural sanctuary.
History
In the village of Saint-André-d'Allas, in the Périgord Noir, the church of Saint-André stands like a stone palimpsest, with two centuries of Gothic architecture visible in its walls and vaults. Far from the great cathedrals that monopolise the eye, this modest rural edifice conceals an architectural complexity that fascinates lovers of medieval history and discreet heritage. What makes Saint-André truly unique is the harmonious coexistence of two Gothic periods, which can be seen right from the inside: the 14th-century ribbing remains at the base of the piers, surmounted by the double-throated profiles characteristic of the late Gothic of the 15th century. This architectural layering, the result of partial reconstruction after the collapse of the vaults, offers the attentive eye a true lesson in medieval construction, with its concern to preserve the imprint of its predecessors while bringing its own modernity. The visitor experience is intimate and contemplative. The light filtering through the Gothic windows bathes the nave in a soft glow, conducive to contemplation as much as observation. The choir, entirely rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, has a remarkable stylistic coherence that contrasts subtly with the composite nave. It only takes a few steps to walk through the building, but every sculpted detail, every cross-rib, is worth a closer look. The Périgord setting heightens the charm of the place: the pale limestone that makes up the surrounding walls, the oak trees that shade the village, the wooded hills of the Sarladais region on the horizon - everything invites you to extend your visit with a stroll through the narrow streets of Saint-André-d'Allas, an authentic village just a stone's throw from Sarlat-la-Canéda. Listed as a Monument Historique since 1926, the church has been officially recognised for the irreplaceable heritage value of these rural Gothic buildings, which are so often neglected.
Architecture
The layout of Saint-André church is typical of small rural Gothic churches in Périgord: a single nave extended by a choir, with no transept, in a simple longitudinal layout that focuses attention on the interior perspective. The elevations, built of local limestone in ochre and blond tones, are fully in keeping with the tradition of Périgord buildings, where carefully dressed ashlar is enhanced by the natural play of light. The main architectural interest lies in the superimposition of the vaulting systems: at the base of the piers, the 14th-century Gothic ribs have their own almond-shaped or torus-shaped profile, while the 15th-century ribs, rebuilt after the collapse, are based on the same starting points but are clearly distinguished by their double groove profile, which is more complex and characteristic of the flamboyant southern Gothic style. The choir, rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, is completely unified in terms of style, with its ribbed vaults with sculpted keystones and lancet windows or simple grid windows that let in subdued light. The western facade, remodelled in more recent times, is crowned by a gabled bell tower - a very common architectural style in the rural areas of Périgord and Quercy, as it is cheap to build and perfectly suited to small parishes. The polygonal stair turret, added during these modern alterations, provides access to the upper parts of the building and introduces a discreet verticality that enlivens the overall volumetry.
Related Figures
Évêques de Sarlat (XIVe-XVe siècle) — autorités ecclésiastiques ayant supervisé la construction et la reconstruction de l'édificeMaçons gothiques locaux (XIVe siècle) — bâtisseurs de la première campagne de construction, dont les nervures témoignent du savoir-faireMaîtres d'œuvre de la reconstruction (fin XVe siècle) — artisans périgourdins ayant relevé l'édifice après les destructions de la guerre de Cent AnsSeigneurs de Saint-André-d'Allas (XIVe-XVe siècle) — protecteurs et probables commanditaires des campagnes de construction
Tags
Nearby castles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Eglise Saint-André located?
Eglise Saint-André is located in Saint-André-d'Allas, Dordogne department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France.
When was Eglise Saint-André built?
Eglise Saint-André dates back to a period built during the Renaissance (16th century).
Is Eglise Saint-André open to visitors?
Eglise Saint-André is currently closed to visitors.
