Droiturier - Saint-Nicolas

The small village of Droiturier hosts (at least) two remarkable architectoral structures. These are a roman bridge and the church Saint-Nicolas. The 12th century romanesque church was once a part of a benedictian collegiate, belonging to Cluny. The collegiate community is gone since centuries and with all its buildings.

The same capital, seen before. Now from the right side. A strange detail is to the evry right. Next to the ape is the head of "dragon" with a very long neck. The dragon has pretty frightening teeth.

The icon (man/rope/ape) is somehow typical for the Auvergne area, the French call this "singe cordé". I found a couple of these pairs and will upload more. Meanwhile I learned, that within the Auvergne are about 20 (!) similar carvings.