Lusignan - Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Junien

Lusignan was the home of the "Maison de Lusignan" ("House of Lusignan") an old noble family deeply rooted in medieval legends, as once upon a time Prince Raymond of Poitou and Fairy Melusine founded the dynasty.

The family resided in a castle, that in medieval times was one of the largest in France. The ruins of the castle got demolished in the 19th century, but this church, founded by Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, in 1024 just opposite the castle still exists.

The church was completed in the early 12th century, but underwent a number of alterations over the century.

It got already seriously damaged during a conflict between the House of Plantagenet and the House of Lusignan in 1168.

In 1373, during the 100 Years´ War English troops seized Lusignan, during the siege and the reconquest, the tower - and the vaults collapsed. Already four years later, the damages were repaired.

A small stair leads down into the crypt under the choir. It was pretty dark - and there was no switch..