Échebrune - Saint-Pierre

Échebrune is a small village (pop. ~500) neighbouring Biron (previous upload). The Saintonge region is so rich in wonderful Romanesque buildings...

Saint-Pierre was erected within the 12th century, but the church suffered from severe damage during the Hundred Years War, the Wars of Religion and the vandalism of the French Revolution. The crossing tower and the large Gothic apse are rebuilt, but the western facade, seen here partially, and the nave are Romanesque, dating back to the 12th century.

The many graffiti, carved into the walls of the facade and the nave are probably from the time of the great pilgrimage 12th/13th century. Such knots were a very common subject for medieval graffiti carvers.