Lusignan - Notre-Dame et Saint-Junien

Hugh IV, Lord of Lusignan, founded this church opposite his castle in 1024. Legends tell, that the castle was built by Mélusine, a legendary water nymph, for her noble husband. I had met her already in Pathenay.

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

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

A small stair, just outside the apse, leads down to the large crypt under the choir. The floor is slippery and it is dark, dampish. There is a smell - moldy.The crypt, that dates back to the first building phase (12c), definitely needs some TLC.