Barret - Saint-Pardoux

Saint-Pardoux was erected in the second half of the 12th century as a church for a priory, dependent from the Benedictine Abbey Saint-Étienne in Baignes.

The single-nave church got enlarged later and restored/rebuilt in the 19th century. It is claimed, that the facade is inspired by the construction of the cathedral of Angouleme. I do not see a strong influence. The carvings of the facade and all around the apse are very elaborate and come from very skilled and experienced workshops.

Compared to the exterior splendor, the interior of Saint-Pardoux looks simple and sober, the vaulting is 19th century. But there are sculpted capitals here, that differ clearly from the works outside.