Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption

The church, today dedicated to "Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption" is known since the 12th century, when it wa depending from the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Croix in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (12kms northwest). The nave is very early Gothic (or very late Romanesque). The older transsept is clearly Romanesque with rough capitals.

The church, today dedicated to "Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption", is known since the 12th century, when it wa depending from the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Croix in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (12kms northwest). The nave is very early Gothic (or very late Romanesque), while the older transsept is clearly Romanesque.

A "Fête locale", the "Longeville mini-ferme", buzzles all around "Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption" in the center of the village. The church here is known since the 12th century.

There are already slightly pointed archivolts over the romanesque portal of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, what is typical for the end of the 12th century. The four carved capitals are clearly Romanesque - and pretty rough. As rough as this bearded guy, hanging down head over heels on the left side of the portal´s facade.

There are already slightly pointed archivolts over the romanesque portal of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, what is typical for the end of the 12th century. The four carved capitals are clearly Romanesque - and pretty rough.

Some of the fête´s visitors were allowed to enter the construction side. Standing inside the church made clear, that the 12th century church must have been in a really bad state before the reconstruction started. The church was built on a "Latin Cross" - and on the side were some capitals with foliage carvings - all hidden behind the scaffolding.

Marciac has its fame from the annual Jazz Festival, that was going on, when I reached the small town - and decided to stay for two days. The interior of the late gothic "Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption" was quiet and uncrowded. The church was erected in the 15th century, but some older, Romanesque carvings got reused here. Under the power line is this mermaid, holding a comb and a mirror. So she stands for vanity, a symbol that can often be found in gothic churches.