Eglise Saint Thyrse

Overlooking the Gartempe valley, the church of Saint Thyrse stands at the heart of the village of Châteauponsac. Dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, it was restored in the 15th century when the town was fortified following the ravages of the Hundred Years' War. Successive alterations can be seen on the north wall, which features a buttress and a blind bay from the first phase of construction, as well as Gothic-style bays and massive buttresses. At the east portal, above the Gothic bay, a small opening can be seen, a defensive element for the guards protecting the town during times of unrest from the arms room located in the attic of the nave. It is the only church in the Haute-Vienne region to feature the Benedictine plan, characterized by a chevet with five staggered chapels. Restored, it is now open to the public.