The Saint-Symphorien church in Castillon-la-Bataille, in Gironde, on the right bank of the course of the Dordogne, was built in the 18th century.
It replaced a 12th century Romanesque church which was in poor condition, especially since a majority of the population had abandoned it to join the Reformation.
In addition Viscount of Castillon, it was Marshal Turenne who had made a bequest a few decades earlier to finance the new church, designed according to plans by the architect Portier. A marble plaque, south of the nave, perpetuates the memory of this donation.
The baroque style of the building (although the facade can be considered quite austere classicism despite the large door, the bay on the second level surrounded by pilasters with capitals and the triangular pediment on the third level) is complemented inside by decorations inspired by ancient Greece (Ionic order). We can also see that the semicircular vaulted nave is lit by stained glass windows placed on the second level at the end of the 19th century by the master glassmaker Dagrand.
We also note the presence of a bell tower added in the 19th century when the bell tower is surmounted by an "imperial" dome, a ball and a cross.
Paintings including a remarkable "Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple" (17th century), a gilded wood stoup and wooden reliquaries whose consoles are decorated with carved cherubs' heads have been classified, while the master - The altar in red and black marble from 1771 is also beautifully crafted, as is the painting of the choir dome signed by Jules Constant (1882). A tribune, chapels, one of which is dedicated to the memory of the First War, were added in the twentieth century.
Open daily. Free tour. Information on +33 5 57 40 00 06.
