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Heritage |
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Notre Dame de Saint-Robert |
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The very rich history of the Yssandon region has left the area a number of gems of Limousin Romanesque art,
including the exceptional Notre Dame de Saint-Robert church. At the end of the 11th century,
six monks were sent by Robert de Turlande (founder of Chaise-Dieu Abbey in Auvergne) to found a priory on the Puy de Murel.
With the help of the inhabitants, they built the St-Robert priory. Of this primitive priory no visible parts remain.
The monument visitors can see today dates back to the end of the 12th century.
When you approach the church, what strikes you is its very compact aspect, which is due to the destruction of the nave in 1586 during the Wars of Religion.
To get an idea of the majesty of the building, you need to go round it to get a view of the whole apse, which is most imposing.
The apse is dominated by the octagonal bell-tower and by the apsidal chapels radiating out from it.
The central apsidal chapel was replaced in 1571 by a tower extending from the apse.
The cornices protect a series of modillions with varied patterns: plant, human and geometric décors.
When you enter the sanctuary by the north transept, the interior volumes of the building are most striking.
All is elegance and light
The bell-tower stands on a cupola set 20 metres from the top. The vaulted choir is lit up by five bays with Limousin mouldings.
The décor of the choir is remarkable: imposing capitals decorated with characters.
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Romanesque art in the Yssandon area |
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Other Yssandon churches are representative of Romanesque art - although it is a rather countrified Romanesque.
These churches have a very simple design: with a single nave and a flat or pentagonal apse.
The building materials used were either "brasier" (a local red sandstone), for example in Saint-Cyprien,
or white limestone such as can be seen in Perpezac-le-Blanc. The churches have had to undergo a few modifications in the course of their history,
the most common of which is the addition of a bell cote.
These churches are home to late-12th-century or 19th-century Romanesque sculptures from local workshops.
The churches of Brignac, Yssandon and Perpezac-le-Blanc all have superb capitals and modillions.
A special mention must go to the three capitals in Louignac church. Two of them have been embellished, one representing Saint Paul and Saint Peter,
and the second Daniel (?) and the lions.
These capitals were made in a similar way to those of Saint-Robert and may have come from the destroyed nave of that church,
located three kilometres away. The stone used as a font is very interesting.
It might be a former capital from the primitive sanctuary (10th century) that has been reused.
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