Fenioux - Notre-Dame de l’Assomption

Fenioux, a small village with a population of less than 200, does not only have a impressing, medieval "lanterne des morts" (previous upload), but as well this wonderful parish church "Notre-Dame de l’Assomption". Once the church was dedicated to "Saint-Savinien" and "Saint Pierre". It was built in the 12th century, about the same time, when Aulnay (27kms northeast) was under construction.

The church was erected over a Carolingian oratory from the 9th century, of which some parts were integrated into the new building - and so still exist around the choir. The large, western facade, with its five archivolts is breathtaking.

The bell-tower stands next to the nave like an Italian "campanile". The tower was restored in the 19th century by disputed Paul Abadie (see "Aulnay") - and now may look a bit too elegant.