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The church of Saint-Etienne-de-Tersan at Vaissière
Commune :Azille
Location:This old, pre-romanesque, church is in the midst of vines on a large vineyard about 3 km west of Azille.
Visits:not known
Comments:

Of an exceptional quality with three naves and three absides. The naves were constructed in the X century, possibly on a site of Wisigothic origin. Further work was carried out in the XI century and the large abside was rebuilt in the XII century. It is mentioned in manuscripts of 1184. Notes show that the church had a curé and rector in 1351.

At some time, the stone roof has been replaced by slates. The semi-circular abside is decorated by four columns, two of which remain intact and capped with corinthian style capitals, one at least is attributed to the school of the Maitre of Cabestany, a master sculptor of the second half of the XII century whose work is found in many churches in the southern part of France, as well as northern Spain and in Tuscany. The present entrance, in the south side of the choir, is modern. The threshold is formed of a worked stone from the wisigoth era.

After the French revolution, the church was converted to agricultural use as a barn.


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