Colombiers - Notre Dame

A fortified settlement in Colombiers is known since Carolingian times and a church, dedicated to The Virgin Mary existed already around 1000.

The parish church Notre Dame may be some centuries younger, but still has a Romanesque structure. The church has obviously undergone more than one construction- and and renovation-phases.

The facade is the oldest part of the church, dating back to the 12th. century. It has some remarkable details. There is a frieze of grotesque faces. Here are three of these faces. I have seen similar heads under the roof of Saint-Nazaire Carcassonne, that were created during the 19th century.

I have the impression, that the carvings may replace weathered, older ones.