Eglise de St Just Luzac

Description

A primitive church existed in the Middle Ages. It appears in the 1047 deed of gift from Geoffroy Martel, Duke of Aquitaine, to the abbey of the Ladies of Saintes. A period of prosperity, the Middle Ages were also a time of turmoil, notably during the Franco-English wars. It was probably destroyed during this period.



The present church dates from the 15th century. At the time of its construction, it was one of the largest building sites in the region. The church is 41 meters long, 17 meters wide and 12 meters high under the vault. Above the nave, the attic space was converted. A fallback room was built to prevent any unrest and to accommodate women and children.



The church's exterior is surprisingly belfry-less. It should have been built on the model of Marennes, but its construction was interrupted by the Wars of Religion. To the west, we can see the porch that should have served as its base.



Its triangular porch is unique in the region. It may have been inspired by the polygonal porches of certain Norman churches.



Its flamboyant Gothic style is rare in Saintonge.



It has been a listed monument since 1910.