Place and History

Witness to a Millennium of History: A Roman Treasure in the Heart of the Périgourdine Countryside

The existence of the church is recorded at the beginning of the 12th century in a charter from the Cadouin cartulary. The main attraction lies in the exceptional sculpted ensemble found in the choir.

From the 9th century, Périgord saw the birth of abbeys like Paunat and Sarlat. The countryside was ruined and depopulated by invasions, wars, plague and the anarchy reigning in the Middle Ages. Their repopulation and land development are largely due to religious communities and the formation of lordships. We see new parishes and scattered hamlets being established. We can think that the creation of Monbos (in Occitan mon bosc = wooded mountain) dates from this period. The existence of the church is recorded in 1135 in a charter from the Cadouin cartulary. The text mentions the church of MONBOS where Boson, Count of Grignols, donated all his Perigord goods to the monks of Cadouin.

The church has survived a millennium despite the Hundred Years' War which began in the surrounding area between Puyguilhem and Moncuq, religious schisms, the postulate of modesty of the Council of Trent and the French Revolution. Over the centuries, the Monbos church has been remodeled several times, including four major phases of reconstruction.



Story

The Stages of Time: A journey through key moments in history.

Exceptional sculptures

The main attraction of this church lies in an exceptional set of sculptures located in the choir.

Wall details

The two couples of lovers on the tailor even inspired Bernard Lesfargues in a poem titled “Les Amants de Monbos”.

Various restorations

Restoration work started in 1985 (repair of the framework, roofing, construction of the ceiling).

Exceptional sculptures

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The main attraction of this church lies in an exceptional set of sculptures located in the choir. It includes four very interesting capitals and three fragments of friezes of the same style.

They are the only examples of historic sculpture still in place in the Canton of Sigoulès (F.Vacchia). It is difficult to date the exact origin of these works, not knowing if they are the reuse of pieces from ancient temples , spoliae, as some clues would suggest, or if they are elements specifically designed for the church. Hunting scenes? Apocalypse of St John? Many hypotheses surround these capitals. Some see them as pre-novels (Jean Secret), others see them as pagan, Celtic (H.Busmann).

The characters are represented frontally, always explicitly naked, while the animals are in profile. Is the perspective hierarchical? The superposition of the figures suggests a depth of field. (F.Vacchia) Extraordinary details: the isolated heads on most of the apes (upper part of the capitals) and two representations of lovers on the abutment of the NO capital. Another interesting detail: in opposition to the usual Romanesque style, the astragalus (base) of the SW capital is composed of three lines becoming the roots of the tree which surmounts them; Celtic tree of life?



Wall details

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If we follow the hypothesis of reusing elements of pagan origin, the details (nudity of the characters, the couples of lovers, the abundance of animals, hunting scenes evoking a generous life) rather indicate a fertility cult .

The two couples of lovers on the tailor even inspired Bernard Lesfargues in a poem titled “Les Amants de Monbos”.

Another amazing detail is the woman's face on the NW capital. It is distinguished from all the others by a sort of halo. Is this a sign of higher status? Furthermore, the snake at her ankle is not necessarily the symbol of a lost paradise. There must be a symbol of a lost paradise. It exists in the majority of ancient mythologies with varied meanings. On the frieze are representations of domestic animals, including that of a dog with a collar.

The current coloring corresponds to the restoration of pigments from the Middle Ages. The dark parts are original. Areas where the old coating could not be saved are lighter. The current level of the cemetery is above the original ground, as evidenced by the threshold of the old entrance. The bell dates from 1685. It bears the name “Imperator” and is listed as a Historic Monument, just like the church.



Various restorations

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The restoration work, started in 1985 (repair of the framework, roofing, construction of the ceiling, consolidation of the walls) continues with the installation of stained glass windows, the replacement of the choir door (2006), new lighting (2008). And the restoration of medieval colors (2019). However, there is still much to do to complete this restoration, the work of which is expensive.

If you would like to help us conserve this extraordinary heritage, you will find below all the information on how to join the association or make a donation.