HOLY CROSS CHURCH
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Church founded by the lord of Parthenay at the end of the 11th century, famous for having hosted relics of the True Cross
Founded by the Lords of Parthenay in the late 11th century, this basilica church is famous for having housed relics of the True Cross brought back from the First Crusade. The bell tower was added in the 15th century. Its special feature is the two polychrome recumbent statues of William VII the Archbishop and his wife Jeanne de Mathefelon, discovered when the altarpiece was removed in 1853. Although the ornate 12th-century façade was destroyed in 1781, the whole church retains its admirable Romanesque character, typical of the region.
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Un peu quelconque à l’extérieur, nous avons toutefois trouvé la structure intérieure de l’abside harmonieuse avec sa voûte en cul-de-four avec deux nervures en V. Trois baies ouvertes dans de larges arcades l’éclairent. À voir particulièrement, les deux gisants polychromes de Guillaume VII L’Archevêque et son épouse, Jeanne de Mathefelon.
L’église Sainte-Croix attire à l’époque médiévale pèlerins sur le chemin de Compostelle et simples fidèles en raison de la précieuse relique de la Sainte-Croix qu’elle conserve.