Église Saint-Pierre du marché, Gothic church in Loudun, France

Église Saint-Pierre du Marché is a church in Loudun combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its interior is structured around four robust pillars that support the main nave and transept, creating the framework for its sacred space.

Built from 1214 under Philip Augustus near the meat market, the church retains only its sanctuary and transept with four massive pillars from that campaign. Pillaged in the Hundred Years' War, it gained a north nave in ogival style, funded partly by the butchers' guild, whose coat of arms is carved on a capital. In the first quarter of the 16th century a growing population brought the south side nave, bell tower and portal; the Huguenots mutilated the portal sculptures, restored in 1987. The 1701 bell tower was dismantled and rebuilt stone by stone in 1931.

The church is also called Saint-Pierre-du-Marché, recalling the meat market that stood nearby. The butchers' guild helped fund the north nave, and its coat of arms is carved on a capital there. Look for it among the vaulting supports.

The building is open to visitors during regular hours and welcomes both worshippers and those interested in architecture. It is helpful to check opening times in advance to plan your visit, especially if you wish to explore the interior carefully.

The north nave was paid for largely by the butchers' guild, and their coat of arms is carved on one of the capitals. Look up at the column tops to find it. The portal's sculptures were mutilated by Huguenots and restored only in 1987.