Varaize - Saint-Germain

A priory, dependent from the Abbaye Royale in Saint-Jean-d'Angély, existed here in the 12th century, the church Saint-Germain was erected end of that century. Today it serves the parish - and is in state of urgent repair. The walls of the western facade are cracked and are temporarily stabilized by a construction of wooden beams.

The church is known for the southern portal, a Romanesque masterpiece. Some of the capitals on the sides were "reconstructed" end of the 19th century, but most of the archivolts are "untouched.

Just over the archivolts runs a frieze. This festoon is a detail. Two birds to the right, a siren to the left and a monkey in the center.