CHURCH OF ST FRONT AT PERIGUEUX

WIENER, Jacques: France, 1858, Bronze, 59 mm
Obv: View of exterior    EGLISE DE SAINT FRONT A PERIGUEUX
Exergue: CHOEUR ET ABSIDE XIV SIECLE. RESTAURATION COMMENCEE 1854. ABADIE ARCH.
Rev: View of interior
Exergue: ANCIENE EGLISE 984-1047. EGLISE ACTUELLE XI AU XII SIECLE
Signed: J. WIENER F. / J. WIENER
Ref: Van Hoydonck 157

Perigueux is a town in southwestern France, about 80 miles from Bordeaux. During the Hundred years' War, Perigueux was attacked by the English and the town was ceded to them by the treaty of Bretigny. It was returned to the French crown in the reign of Charles V. During the Huguenot wars Perigueux was frequently a stronghold of the Calvinists, who in 1575 destroyed much of the city. St. Front preached Christianity here in the 4th century and over his tomb a monastery was raised, which became the center of the new town called Le Puy St. Front. In this medieval town, the cathedral of St Front was built, which until its restoration in the 19th century was of unique architectural value.

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