A stop along the Way of St. James, the small town of Melle is an unmissable stop for all lovers of Romanesque art, with its three churches from the 11th and 12th centuries, all listed Historic Monuments.
The Church of St. Hilary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the paths of the Way of St. James. It is quite remarkable for its many sculpted details, and is famous for its north door, which is topped by a high relief of a rider, said to symbolise the victory of Constantine I over the pagans.
The Church of St. Peter is a relic of a priory that belonged to the Abbey of St. Maixent, and is distinguished by its broken barrel vaults, capitals with narrative scenes and south door, with arches sculpted with signs of the Zodiac and animals of the Apocalypse.
The old Church of St. Savinien, adorned with a harmonious façade, now hosts exhibitions as well as a classical music festival in May-June.
