Collegiate Church of Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques

The first construction of the collegiate church is contemporary with the founding of the bastide of Montréal in 1255. Probably before Easter 1255, the date on which the Seneschal of Agenais, Guillaume de Balneolis, came to examine the beginnings of the works.

The church was first called Notre-Dame. Later, it was named Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques.
Originally, it only occupied the site of the current south nave built on the site of a 12th or early 13th century seigneurial fortified house.
In the 16th century, Jean Marre, Bishop of Condom, created the collegiate chapter which he took care of. He was also at the origin of an initial restoration of the vaults before leaving Montreal in 1511.
The church reflects the prosperity of the new bastide as evidenced by its large dimensions.
The English laid siege to it three times at the beginning of the 3th century. The watch was kept from the top of the bell tower, but the last level was not added until much later, probably in the 15th century.
During the Wars of Religion in 1569, Montgomery pillaged the collegiate church and destroyed three-quarters of it. Four of the six pillars were subsequently consolidated into a square. Their vaults in pitiful condition were then restored as simple ribbed vaults. The walls bear the engraved traces of the dates of the various restorations.
The very high monumental porch, with 4 arches, has a torus (large molding) framed by a line of early 14th century capitals with flowers, and niches with statues broken by the Wars of Religion or the Revolution. A recess adjoins this large porch.
A second portal with 3 arches is also visible. Presence of a second fire with discreet floral borders.
Inside, the columns supporting the ribbed vaults are of different heights. Those in the north nave start from the floor, while those in the south nave only start from the height of the original wall.
From the outside we can see two pretty walled bays; above one, notice an alfiz (frame) also called Mudejar in Spanish Muslim art.

The collegiate church remains an impressive witness to the southern Gothic style, notably its south wall built directly on the old fortifications.

Theme(s) : religious heritage.