Thuret - Saint-Bénilde

The former church of a priory, built from local limestone 1150/1170, got remodelled quite often over the centuries. This was done not only by architects, but as well by clerics. The church was dedicated to St. Genesius first, then to St. Limin, followed by Saint-Martin. Within the 19th century the dedication changed to Saint-Bonnet and just some decades ago to Saint-Bénilde, a saint born in Thuret in 1805.

Aymon Gilbert Mallay, the architect of the diocese, "over" restaurated the church in 1864. Bernard Craplet ("Auvergne romane") still laments this neo-romanesque impact.

This church actually has very interesting carvings, but the title "Le Vezelay de la Limagne", that I found on a local leaflet, is way too ambitious. This capital from the western portal is very "normal", compared to others in Thuret. It depicts family Atlas! Two atlantes - with their very supportive kids. The artistic style is just a little simple but not really special.