Église Notre-Dame d'Aigueperse

About

Notre-Dame d'Aigueperse Church is a former collegiate church located in Aigueperse, Puy-de-Dôme department. Its proximity to the seigneury power of Montpensier explains the interest and the means that were invested for its beautification.

History: The first building of the church dates back to 1016. However, it did not take its final form until the end of the twelfth century, when the choir and transept as they now exist were erected. It is considered the first Gothic building built in Auvergne. In 1165, Agnès inherited the house of Thiers gave the land necessary for its expansion. In 1253 she was raised to the rank of college. Several 13th century murals are preserved. In their present state, the arms of the transept and part of the radiant chapels are from the thirteenth century; the radiant chapel that houses the painting of Ghirlandaio is of the 15th century, as well as the construction adjoining the corner of the south arm of the transept and the nave. This stone construction of Volvic – the Nesson Tower – was built thanks to the liberalities of Barthélemy de Nesson, a chestnut of Aigueperse, father of the poet Pierre de Nesson. This...