Abbatiale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Medieval abbey church in La Porte-du-Der, France.
The Abbatiale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul is a church in La Porte-du-Der combining two architectural styles: the nave displays pre-Romanesque features, while the choir and ambulatory show Gothic design elements. The mix of these different building styles shapes the interior and becomes clear as you move through the spaces.
The foundation goes back to the 7th century when Saint Berchaire founded it, with the church receiving official consecration later in 998. In the 12th century the building underwent major rebuilding that decisively shaped its present appearance.
The church holds stained glass windows from the 19th century in its chapels, while the high choir displays modern works by artist Max Ingrand. Visitors can observe these windows throughout the building and notice how the light passes through them, coloring the interior spaces.
The building opens daily to visitors, and guided tours are available upon request if you want to learn more about the details. It is a good idea to check ahead whether a tour is happening so you can get the most from your visit.
The nave stands as one of France's oldest examples of pre-Romanesque building and shows the shift between Carolingian and Romanesque architecture. This architectural feature makes it especially noteworthy for specialists and history-minded visitors.
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