Église Sainte-Marie de Madiran Historic Monument in Madiran

The Church of Saint Mary of Madiran is a remarkable historical monument located in the village of Madiran.

History and evolution

The current church was built between 1030 and 1080. It replaced an earlier church and a monastery.
The building has undergone several phases of construction and restoration over the centuries.
It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1996.

Architecture

The church is in Romanesque style. It has an underground crypt, unique in the department, possibly from the pre-Romanesque period.
The crypt has a square shape of the early martyrium with decorated capitals, one of which is possibly of Carolingian origin.
The cul-de-four vault is characteristic of Romanesque architecture.
The decoration includes geometric, plant and bird motifs.