Saint-Martin-d'Ary - Saint-Martin

The Benedictian Abbey of Guîtres (20kms south) had founded priory next to a little river here. Within the 12th century the small, but wonderful Romanesque church was erected from the local white stones. The structure is surprisingly complete, only the small "belltower" in the west was added later. Today Saint-Martin is a parish church, surrounded by the graveyard. The facade in the "style saintongue" is a bit weathered.

A handsome couple under the roof. He looks a bit stonily, while she clings to him. She may not have the elegance of Gislebertus´ Eve from Autun, but she is a good-looking lady, even after 800 years.