Following the Norsemen invasions, Romanesque Art spread all over Europe as from Year 1000 along with economic and demographic growth. The fact that the society was then organized and framed by the monastic orders, lead to expansion of this art along with the pilgrimages and reconstruction of abbeys. 

The church of Taillant as seen from the South. All photos by author. Copyright: Francois Hagnere.

The  unpretentious church of Taillant dates back to the the XIth century and has kept its authentic and symbolic aspect. Its was once dedicated to Saint-Martin and is a true witness of Early Romanesque Style. The nave is in rubbles and presents two small windows. Primitive openings can be observed in the wall with a strange drafting. The nave is covered with tiles. The West façade is reduced to essentials, the portal of the XIIth century offers an arch-moulding decorated with an unusual motif of rope, that will be found much later in Manoeline architecture.  On the fronton, the sculpture of a horse is reminiscent of the  Ancient Cult of Epona. The square tower  is in hewn stone like the polygonal apse presenting half-columns, a delicate frieze, carved capitals and modillions. The curiosity resides in the apse roof, like a ship hull, which is covered with flat paving stones as in the South of France. From a distance this roof is quite impressive. In the small cemetary, on the South and West sides of the church, is found a masonic grave. 

West façade of Taillant church. Unusual motif of rope above the portal.

The apse of Taillant church with half-columns, delicate frieze and carved capitals.

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The nave in rubbles and tower in hewn stone as seen from the South.

The horse on the fronton is reminiscent of the Ancient Cult of Epona.

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Masonic grave in the cemetary, South of Taillant church.

Tha amazing roof of the apse, Taillant church.