Le Douhet - Saint-Martial

San Martial, parish church of Le Douhet is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built and the building got unbalanced and unstable.

The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. One of the apostles, populating the outer archivolt, is Saint Jacques ("Saint James"). The saint is dressed like a pilgrim and holds the pilgrim´s staff. There may have been a "coquille" once as well...

The stones all over the Saintonge were very soft and so ideal for complex carvings. Unfortunately they weathered over the centuries.

I have tried to walk with such a long stick in 2005, but could not get used to it. Since then I use two walking sticks, what is - for me - very convenient.