The Saint-Laurent church is located in the town of Gua, in Charente-Maritime, 16 km north-east of Royan.
The Romanesque-style building is mentioned as early as 1047. It was consolidated in the 12th century but although fortified during the Hundred Years War, a walkway being for example fitted out on the bell tower, it was badly damaged during the wars of Religion.
Partially rebuilt, the church was considered too dilapidated in 1800 and it was decided on that date to build a new place of worship while preserving the bell tower. Previously located at the crossing of the transept, the latter now becomes the "southern" point of the church since the orientation of the building has been changed.
The new parts are built in a neoclassical style with a facade that evokes a triumphal arch with pilasters of a triangular pediment.
Inside, the nave with its paneled vault is pierced with openings which house 19th and 20th century stained glass windows representing episodes from the life of Saint Lawrence and Saint Teresa of the baby Jesus. In addition, are housed a high altar and its tabernacle from the church of Dercia and an ex-voto in the form of a model ship which has been classified.
On the other hand, with regard to "buildings", only the Romanesque bell tower is protected as historical monuments. Although having been leveled during the Wars of Religion where it served as a high fortified tower of two levels, it was then equipped with a spire covered with slate.
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