Nuaillé-sur-Boutonne - Notre-Dame

Around Aulnay are a couple of small church, that are often underestimated, as "Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay" is such overwhelming, that it shadows everything around. But the craftsmen, that created "Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay" did not only work there, but they also found jobs in the area. Notre Dame in Nuaillé-sur-Boutonne, located only 7 kms west of Aulnay, is an example of this.

The small church was erected in the 12th century, same time as Aulnay.

Depicted on the outer archivolt are the Magi, who were adored by all pilgrims at that time. The Magi had followed the Star of Bethlehem on their long journey to Bethlehem, just like the pilgrims following the "chemin" to Santiago. From Aulnay it was a walk of less than two hours to see the Magi here.

The scenes do not follow a chronological order.

The Magi on their way home. All three hold a prilgrim´s staff. They are advised by an angel to take another route. One of the soldiers behind the angel points the direction.

Matthew 2.12

"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."