Église Saint-Siméon de Bouliac

The église Saint-Siméon is a Romanesque church in Bouliac notable for its elaborately designed western portal, which displays three arched layers separated by carved stone bands. These arches rest on six columns decorated with geometric patterns that showcase the craftsmanship of medieval stonemasons.

The structure was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier Roman villa, linking Romanesque architecture to an ancient location. During the conflicts of the Middle Ages, the building received reinforcements and fortifications that underscored its importance as a place of protection.

The interior walls display large-scale frescoes from the late 1800s that depict religious scenes and give visitors a sense of the artistic expression from that period. These painted surfaces are a key part of how people experienced and connected with the space over time.

The building sits in a small village and is easily reached on foot; it is wise to check opening hours ahead of time as these can vary. Special heritage occasions provide good opportunities to visit with additional information or guided tours available.

Below the structure lies a prehistoric cave that has shown signs of human activity since the Stone Age. This underground space adds a layer of ancient history beneath the medieval building above.