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Church · Cognac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Église Saint-Léger de Cognac
Main church of Cognac’s old town, with a 12th-century Romanesque façade, a Gothic rose window and a bell tower. Beside it, the former priory preserves a cloister.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Église Saint-Léger de Cognac
The church of Saint-Léodegaire stands at the top of the old town, where the climb from the river ends. It belonged to a priory, and construction began in the 12th century in the Romanesque style.
The west façade preserves the Romanesque portal with carved archivolts. Above it a large Gothic rose window was added in the 15th century. The sturdy bell tower is visible from several streets in the old town.
Inside, the wide nave was rebuilt at different times, with side chapels added later. Works of art include a Pietà and religious paintings.
Beside the church the former priory keeps a cloister, which houses the municipal library and can be seen from the square.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes.
Best time
During the day, when there is no mass. Late afternoon light illuminates the west façade.
How to get there
It is on Rue Aristide-Briand, at the top of the old town, about a 10-minute walk from Porte Saint-Jacques.
Tip
Pause in front of the portal to look at the sculptures on the archivolts before entering. Afterwards, pass through the priory’s cloister beside the church.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Église Saint-Léger de Cognac
From what period is the church of Saint Leodegarius?
Construction began in the 12th century, in a Romanesque style. The Gothic rose window on the façade dates from the 15th century.
What to see on the façade of the church of Saint Leodegarius?
The Romanesque portal with carved archivolts and, above it, the large Gothic rose window.
What is housed in the former priory of Saint Leodegarius?
The cloister of the former priory, beside the church, houses the municipal library.