Eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Parthenay-le-Vieux

One of the most renowned examples of Roman architecture in the Poitou region, the Saint-Pierre church was classified as a historic monument in the 19th century. A major edifice in Roman Poitou, it is distinguished by its architectural unity and harmonious proportions. Its originality is reinforced by its octogonal bell tower, its intricately structured screenlike facade and its half-barrel vaults covering its collateral naves. The Saint-Pierre church is said to have been built by monks from Auvergne belonging to the Chaise-Dieu abbey. While its facade is reminiscent of Poitou, its arching may be explained by its one-time ties with La Chaise-Dieu.