Eglise romane de Saint-Austremoine
Church of Saint-Austremoine (listed Historical Monument ) : A stage of the evangelisation
Saint-Austremoine was the original capital of the parish of Salles.
The church, dedicated to one of the evangelisers of Auvergne, was attached to Saint-Amans de Rodez.
Built in the heart of the vineyard, the building has an 11th century Romanesque transept. The chevet, the nave and the quadrangular bell tower were rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries. Two Romanesque chapels, with remains of frescoes, are a counterpart to the original transept.
The church has remarkable furniture.
-Majestic Romanesque Christ of the 12th century, leaning face, half-closed eyes, hair in locks on the shoulders, hips covered with an asymmetrical drape.
-In the ogival choir, 18th century high altar with reliquary busts of Saint Amans and Saint Austremoine surrounded by 18th century bas-reliefs.
-At the end of the nave, on the Gothic tribune, a remarkable 15th century painted limestone cross called "des vignerons", with a decoration of grapevine branches and leaves.
Outside, a mixture of limestone and red sandstone, carved stone cords run above two Gothic enfeux.
Facing the 15th century porch, a modern cross, the work of a contemporary artist, relates dramatic events of the past
The church, with its presbytery, the beautiful old houses that extend it and the recently restored orangery, form a remarkably coherent ensemble in an exceptional site.
