Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise - Saint-André

The original construction of the parish church Saint-André in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (formerly known as "Besse-en-Chandesse") dates back to the 12th, but the church underwent lots renovations over the centuries. So by now it is an interesting mixture of romanesque and gothic elements.

The parish church Saint-André is known for the romanesque carvings. The carvings here differ very much in workmanship and artistic creativity.

Here is the ape/rope/man-icon again, that can be found so often in he Auvergne, that in French language ist is called "singe cordé". While the apes in other churches (Saint-Nectaire, Droiturier, Mozac, Clermont-Ferrand..) where carved mostly more elegant so that the animal could display at least strength, the carving here is very rough - and the ape is nothing but a tortured creature. I´m sure one day PETA will use this!