Templar knights still galloping in Cressac chapel

This small Templar chapel was a barn in the 19th century! Then one century later, it was transformed into a Protestant temple. Inside, we can see gorgeous medieval frescos...

By the way, do you know who the Templars were? Well, an order founded in 1118 during the Crusades, by Godefroy de Bouillon's friends. Templar defended Catholic religion against Saracens and it was officially acknowledged by pope in 1139. This order was dissolved in 1312 with council of Vienna.

Templars settled in Angoulême area since the beginning of the 12th century: our chapel was probably raised at that time.

The church is 17 metres long and 9 metres wide. Very small, isn't it? But in the past, it was surrounded by huge buildings...

So, what about frescos? It deals with crusades, of course. Knights' going, waved by women in castle's towers. Then, we can see knights on their horses: one of them hides himself behind his shield, he's fighting a griffin.

Frescos dates back to the end of the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century.

They kept red, brunish and orange tints, because the church was transformed into a barn during the French Revolution: hay stacked here protected walls!