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| Religious buildings and Roman art |
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| Roman art, marked by the predominance of religious architecture (arches, basilica layouts), came to the French kingdom around the year 1000, at the end of the reign of the Carolingians. Very much present in Charente-Maritime, it then stretched throughout Europe, borrowing on the way oriental and barbarian elements. |
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 Roman art in the Saintonge
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| The extension of Roman art is linked to a demographic and economic boom, and the development of pilgrimages, such as that of Santiago de Compostela in particular. Such popular enthusiasm required space to accommodate the faithful in the churches. So it was that in the Saintonge of the 11th and 12th centuries, roman art produced a remarkably rich and unusual architectural and ornamental ensemble. |
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Here are a few of the jewels of Raman art that are a must to visit: The Church of Saint-Pierre-de-la-Tour (11th c.), in Aulnay-de-Saintonge, is listed as a World Heritage site as part of the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela; the 11th century also saw the construction of the Abbaye Royale of Saint-Jean-d’Angély and the Abbaye-aux-Dames in Saintes ; the Saint-Eutrope basilica, in Saintes as well as the Hôpital des Pèlerins (Pilgrims’ Hospital) in Pons, were built in the 12th century.
The discovery of these prestigious sites demonstrates the rich and eventful history of Charente-Maritime.
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