The Priory of Merlande

This 12th century Cistercian priory lies north-west of Perigeux in the Dordogne. Frustratingly, I couldn't find out much more about it on the web, which is unusual. Other than a more modern (17th century?) extension on one corner, it seems to be of more or less the same period, though that might extend over two centuries. The interior is Romanesque, with nearly-round limestone arches, and beautifully carved capitals of grotesque beasts fighting and cavorting.

It was incredibly dark inside (much darker than this time exposure suggests), with only a couple of candles to supplement the daylight from the door and small windows, and we both tripped a couple of times on the very uneven floor, but these features added to the sheer power of the building's age. It was a place to stand quietly and just feel the antiquity oozing out of the stones; stones that had witnessed many generations coming here to pray. We were fortunate to have the building to ourselves.

It was not easy to find, and we had actually given up after circling endless minor roads around where we thought it should be. I pulled into a junction to set the satnav for home, and there was the sign to the Priory. A twist of fate.