Chadenac - Saint-Martin

Just like in neighbouring Jarnac-Champagne priory, dependent on the (once important) Benedictian abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux existed here since the 12th century. At that time Saint-Martin was erected as the church for the priory.

The church got enlarged and vaulted in the 13th and 14th century, but during the Wars of Religion, the structure got severely damaged, so that the ceiling and the crossing dome collapsed.

The imposant western facade with the large archivolts survived the attacks. The priory was sold after the French Revolution and all buildings, but the church, got demolished. Today Saint-Martin serves as the parish church of the small village.

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As I have uploaded already many photos taken here previously, I will just add a few "new" ones.


The graffiti, carved into the outer walls of Saint-Martin are younger than, what the medieval pilgrims left on the walls nearby churches. These graffiti may be carved during the time of the French Revolution.