The Saint-Maixent church is located in the commune of Pamproux, in the Deux-Sèvres department, 14 km east of Saint-Maixent-l'École.
The building dates from the 12th century: the bell tower with two floors of arcatures and a few bays remains from this period. The nave for its part was rebuilt in the 14th century, comprising four bays with groin vaults and double arches, which rest on a beam of three columns. It ends with a square apse which is pierced by a large eye and two bays. The base of the bell tower constitutes the entrance vestibule with two openings onto the nave.
The church served a priory, which preserves an important octagonal staircase from the 15th century whose core has, on its upper part, elegant ribs forming vaults resting on bases sculpted with figures.
History reports that it was a monk from the abbey of Saint-Maixent who had authority over the church, moreover dedicated to the saint who was one of the first abbots of the monastery of the future city of Saint-Maixent-l'École (6th century).
This beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, listed in the Inventory, can mark a walk in the center of the city, which does not lack character.
Information on +33 5 49 05 54 05.
