Rieux - Saint-Denis

Not much is known about the history of Saint-Denis. The first documents mentioning it, are only a few centuries old. It was probably erected within the 12th century, but modified and enlarged during the next centuries.

Mid of the 19th century the structure was ruined and ready for demolition. In 1862, the nave was separated from transepts and choir. It got renovated and the local school opened here. Soon after, the mairie moved, later apartments for the teachers were built.

Later the rest of the ruined structure got restored and since then serves the parish again. Some parts of the first Romanesque church survived the times and all later modifications.

One of them is this capital, a work of a heavy-handed artist. The animal seen here cannot be a lion, as there is no visible mane. So it is probably a large dog. Or a horse. An early example of "naïve art".