Église Saint-Maixent de Souché, Church in Souché neighborhood, Niort, France
This modest stone church sits quietly on a gentle hill, with a simple nave and tall tower that gives a calm profile to the surroundings, inviting anyone who walks by to stop and feel the peaceful atmosphere inside.
Built in the 12th century on old Romanesque foundations, the church was damaged during religious wars and rebuilt in the 1600s and 1700s, with the vaults collapsing on Easter night in 1788 and being restored by the following year.
The church holds colorful stained glass windows from the late 1800s showing Saint Maixent and Saint Hilaire, and a headless statue of Saint Maixent at the entrance reminds visitors of the turbulent past and the faith that survived it.
The church is still active for worship and community events, with masses and gatherings bringing a gentle rhythm to daily life, and visitors can enjoy a quiet moment inside or admire the view over fields and vineyards from the hill.
Near the portal, a statue of Saint Maixent stands with no head, lost during the Revolution, but the figure's posture stepping over a mythical creature still carries a powerful and moving presence that connects you to centuries of devotion.
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