Maillezais - Saint-Nicolas

Maillezais, a small town with a population of less than 1000, is known for it´s old monastery, founded in the very swampy "Marais Poitevin" in 989. It developed well, when the land around got reclaimed. Later even was a bishop´s see was here. Only some ruins are left of the former Gothic cathedral, as it was burned down by Huguenots during the Wars of Religion and sold as a quarry to local entrepreneurs after the French Revolution.

Saint Nicolas, the parish church had a better fate, though vandalized and severely damaged during the Wars of Religion as well, it did not get ruined like the cathedral. The western facade is built in the "style saintonge" with the flanking blind arches.

These are the pillars on the right side of the central door. They are all masterly carved. The six acrobats, who together press the heavy, but weathered capital, are very unique.

We will see them again at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo next January, when they´ll perform with the six acrobats, who do the same stunt on the left side of the door.