Saint Jean de Cole : The church

THE CHURCH AND PRIORY

ROMAN-BYZANTINE CHURCH OF ST JOAN THE BAPTIST , former church of the Priory.
Erected at the end of the 11th century by the bishop of Perigueux, this building's design is unique in all Perigord. Its trefoil shape is very distinct : it is composed of a single bay nave, ending in an apse between two radiant chapels. The former cupola (the second largest in Perigord) having collapsed is now replaced by wooden flooring. The belfry dates back to the 17th century. At that time, the choir was lined with wooden, sculpted panellings and paintings on canvass. A beautiful 1617 Virgin with Child made of polychrome stone can also be seen. Outside, several storied capitals catch the eye.

Many symphonic concerts are given there every year.

The Priory

This building dating back to the end of the 11th century was the first building of the village. Although it has been partially destroyed by the passage of time, it still includes part of the cloister from the 16th century, as well as lodgings from the 16th and 18th centuries, the prior's dwellings and the abbey's mill. Inside, in the library, the painted ceiling represents the ravishing of St Paul,attributed to Lesueur. It is to notable that this institution used to accomodate up to 20 monks and that it was subsidized by Pope Célestin II.