Poitiers - Notre-Dame la Grande

Notre-Dame la Grande, a former collegiate church, was completed within the 11th century.

The church replaced an older one, known since the 9th century. It got enlarged by two spans (and a fantastic facade) within the first half of the 12th century, but the largest part of the nave is 11th century.

The church was restored mid 19th century. Following the fashion, the columns and the vaults got painted with polychrome "byzantine" motifs. Some of the capitals got painted as well. The person who worked her may have been a bit heavy handed.