Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Lesterps

Abbatiale Saint-Pierre is a Romanesque abbey in Lesterps with a three-bay church and a prominent bell tower rising 43 meters (141 feet) above the ground. The tower is supported by pillars and features semicircular arches that repeat throughout the structure, which is typical of Romanesque design.

This abbey was founded in the late 10th century and adopted the Rule of Saint Augustine in 1038 under its first abbot. This shift introduced a new structure to religious life within the community.

The stone carvings in this church show how medieval craftsmen expressed their faith through detailed work on capitals and reliefs. These artistic details reflect the religious practices and values that shaped daily life in the region centuries ago.

What remains of this abbey is scattered across different sections that together show what a monastic complex looked like. Nearby buildings and a garden next to the town hall let visitors see the final structures that have been preserved.

The bell tower includes architectural elements from an earlier era, which connects it to just two other towers in the region. This rare blend of building styles from different periods makes the structure particularly interesting for those studying medieval construction.