Prieuré de Saint-Macaire, Medieval priory in Saint-Macaire, France.
The priory of Saint-Macaire is a Romanesque structure featuring three polygonal apses decorated with carved capitals that blend Roman and Gothic elements. Inside, vaulted cellars connect to a refectory, four monastic cells, and other rooms accessed by stone staircases running from the basement to upper levels.
Built in the 11th century, it replaced a Gallo-Roman villa called Ligena that once occupied the same location. Wars in the medieval period caused damage that led to several rounds of reconstruction and repairs.
The western portal displays carved figures of apostles and angels, as well as scenes illustrating the parable of wise and unwise virgins.
The site sits on a steep slope, descending from the limestone outcrop where the church stands down to what was once the Garonne riverbank. Visitors should expect multiple levels and uneven terrain as the buildings adapt to the natural slope.
The priory was built using an underground crypt that likely incorporated remains from the earlier Gallo-Roman villa beneath it. This hidden layer adds an unexpected archaeological depth to the building's interior layout.
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