Sainte-Croix & Saint-André Church

Romanesque church. Year of construction: 12th century. Classified as a historical monument in 1921.
Built in the 12th century, the church was initially dedicated to Saint Andrew before being rededicated to the Holy Cross. Two side chapels were added between 1624 and 1627: the Chapel of the Rosary and the Chapel of Saint Anne. The bell tower has undergone several transformations: its upper section was destroyed in 1794, rebuilt in 1850, and then raised in 1890. The building is in the Auvergne Romanesque style, constructed of volcanic tuff, trachyte, basalt, and dressed stone. It features a single nave, wider than the apse, reinforced by buttresses, and a semicircular apse. The west facade is adorned with a round-arched portal, framed by half-arcades resting on columns with foliate capitals. The apse is punctuated by sculpted corbels, some depicting faces or fantastical creatures. The apse has a semi-dome vault, and the choir bay has a barrel vault. There are 14 capitals sculpted in volcanic tuff, dating from the 12th century, decorated with plant motifs, fabulous animals or geometric shapes. The apse is decorated with a set of 12 sculpted corbels, also made of tufa, featuring a variety of motifs (faces, foliage, and fantastical figures). A wooden statue of Saint Roch, patron saint of the parish, is kept in the church.

Visit and access: Self-guided tours are possible; collect the keys from the Saignes town hall (04 71 40 62 80).