Mesnard-la-Barotière

Eglise Saint-Christophe

The turret, visible on the right, houses the staircase giving access to the tower.

Saint-Christopher was built in the 11th century and was a parish church until 1871. It was then used as a warehouse. In 1950, 13th-century mural paintings were discovered in the chancel. They have been carefully "conserved" - not restored or repainted - and are among the finest in western France.

Triumphal arch and the chancel; on the left, a rare example of medieval coats of arms.

Before the Renaissance, the piscina had two distinct basins: one for the water used before the Consecration of the Host, the other for the water used after the Consecration.

THE MURAL PAINTINGS (13th century)

Saint Giles (710-740?) is often represented with his hind. Legend has it that, as the King of Goths was hunting a hind, on whose milk the hermit survived, the arrow struck Saint Giles. Full of remorse, the king founded a monastery for him.

Left: the prosecutor, then the executioners with their forks, one of them working a pair of bellows. At the apex of the arch, a blessing celestial hand.