Saint-Blaise Church

The church of Montaigut-le-Blanc, like the château-fort, is perched at the top of the old village, giving it a striking two-headed silhouette. It was built on a fortified esplanade that offers magnificent views over the surrounding valleys and hills: some old tombstones still lie there.
The church’s facades were rebuilt(…)

The church of Montaigut-le-Blanc, like the château-fort, is perched at the top of the old village, giving it a striking two-headed silhouette. It was built on a fortified esplanade that offers magnificent views over the surrounding valleys and hills: some old tombstones still lie there.
The church’s facades were rebuilt in the 19th century in Romanesque style, although several sculpted heads under the roof date back to the 12th century.
On entering, visitors are struck by the still-vivid colors that completely cover the walls and vaults, repainted in the 19th century.
Another original feature is the church’s single side aisle, built around 1200. The central nave dates back to the 11th century.
The side aisle begins with the late-Romanesque baptismal font, carved from lava stone in the 13th century (listed as a Monument Historique). At the other end, the 13th-century tombstone of a Chevalier de Montaigut lies on the floor. Between the two, several Romanesque capitals have been preserved: one of them features two lionesses drinking from a cup with a twisted foot.
The entrance to the choir has preserved another notable Romanesque capital: it depicts a haloed saint alongside a bird clutching talus.
The church also features a large painting donated by Napoleon III and several antique statues. The tombstone, painting and statues are listed as Historic Monuments.