Southern Burgundy Romanesque ChurchesSaint-Albain

The church in Saint-Albain was built late in the 12th and early 13th century. Its good size bell tower is octagonal and dominates the village. The bell tower has two levels, the lower of which has Lombard bands.

There is also a tower at the west end (front entrance side) of the church that was probably built for defense. This tower also has, what look like Lombard bands.

The sides of the nave (the long end of the cross leading to the altar) have buttress supporting the walls. This is classic of Romanesque churches in the area. There are four buttresses on each side of the nave. There are also eight windows on each side, four below and four above. The windows are narrow and do not let in much light. There is also sub roof on the sides of the nave.

In the apse (top of the cross facing east) there are five small slender windows. The narrowness of the church’s windows means there isn’t a lot natural light to be found inside.

The church was restored in 1985 and is generally open to the public. The church can be found off the N6 road that runs through the village. Look for signs ‘eglises romane XIIème & XIIIème.

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