Churches
and chapels
A few kilometres from Espalion, on the left banks
of the Lot, stands the church of Perse.
This Roman building in pink sandstone from the 11th and 12th centuries is reputed
for its spandrel inspired by that of Conques. You can see the representation
of the Pentecost at the top; the Apocalypse and the Judgement last underneath. The
church was erected at the place where the Saracens beheaded Saint-Hilarian in
about 730 .
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On leaving Espalion to reach the
following step that is Estaing, the pilgrims pass by Bessuéjouls.
The visit to the church Saint Pierre of Bessuéjouls,
16th century Gothic building of pink stone but of which the
belfry dates from the 11th century makes you discover sumptuous
illustrated capitals strongly inspired by those of Conques. Amongst
them: two centaurs with large heads support the scaly
tails of a mermaid who is combing her braided hair into plaits
(photo underneath). On the altar dating from the Roman
era are archangels fighting the dragon.
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Inside the church, a straight staircase gives access to
a high chapel dedicated to Saint-Michel in the belfry porch
of red sandstone.
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