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Église Saint-Palais de Saintes: A Blend of Romanesque and Gothic History

Explore a historical church in Saintes, where Romanesque foundations meet Gothic aspirations, reflecting centuries of faith and architectural evolution.

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The Église Saint-Palais de Saintes is a Catholic church built upon the site of a 6th-century funerary sanctuary. It showcases architectural evolution from the 12th to the 15th centuries, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles.

A brief summary to Église Saint-Palais de Saintes

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime for the best view of the stained glass windows and architectural details.
  • Take a moment to explore the Place Saint-Pallais, which was a cemetery until the 18th century.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Abbaye aux Dames, a significant historical site in Saintes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Abbaye aux Dames, walk east along Rue des Jacobins, then turn right onto Place Saint-Pallais. The Église Saint-Pallais will be directly in front of you. This is a short walk, approximately 2 minutes. No cost is involved.

  • Public Transport

    The BUSS network serves Saintes. Check the local BUSS schedule for the nearest stop to Église Saint-Pallais. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions. A single ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Parking

    Several paid parking options are available near Église Saint-Pallais. Q-Park Centre Ville on Rue Eugène Pelletan and Q-Park Bois d'Amour on Rue du Bois d'Amour are within walking distance. Expect to pay around €3 for 2 hours of parking. Free parking is available at Place Saint-Vivien, a 15 min walk.

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Discover more about Église Saint-Palais de Saintes

The Église Saint-Palais de Saintes stands as a testament to centuries of faith and architectural transition. Its story began in the 6th century with a funerary sanctuary honoring Palladius, a bishop of Saintes later canonized as Saint Palais. He was known for rediscovering the tomb of Saint Eutrope and promoting his cult. The present church, constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, incorporates both Romanesque and Gothic elements. Parts of the original Romanesque structure remain, including the lower sections of the walls and some columns and capitals in the nave. The lateral bell tower, of which only the lower part remains, may also date back to the 12th century. The nave was initially designed for a Romanesque barrel vault, but a Gothic ribbed vault was eventually constructed, leading to the abandonment of every other column. The rectangular choir was built in the early 13th century, designed from the outset to accommodate Gothic vaulting. In the 15th century, a large Flamboyant window was added to the chevet. Inside, visitors can admire the contrast between the Romanesque openings and the Gothic vault. The church also houses the tomb of Marie-Eustelle Harpain (1814-1842), known as the 'Angel of the Eucharist'. The church is generally open daily, offering a serene and intimate experience for visitors.

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