Soulignonne

Soulignonne is a West commune with 727 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Charente -Maritime in the Poitou -Charentes.

Location

Soulignonne lies at an altitude of about 30 meters above sea level. d M. Arnoult on the river in the historic cultural landscape of the Saintonge about 15 km ( driving distance ) northwest of Saintes and 30 kilometers southeast of Rochefort.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place had always 600-780 inhabitants. The phylloxera crisis and the mechanization of agriculture led to a population decline, which could be stopped in the last few decades because of its proximity to the cities of Saintes and Rochefort, and the comparatively low rents and land prices in Soulignonne.

Economy

For centuries agriculture for the purpose of self-sufficiency of the population played the largest role in the economy of the community. But was grown in area since the Roman time, wine was distilled since the early modern period and exported to northern Europe ( esp. England ). Soulignonne one of the Bois ordinaires et communs of the vineyard Cognac, but most grapes are processed into wine and Pineau des Charentes for sales problems with cognac brandies. Many farmers have returned to 'normal' agriculture.

History

On the history of the place just a few information is available. The presence of a pre-Romanesque church does, however, suggest that the site was inhabited at least since the Middle Ages. In the 14th century a lord by the name of Guillaume de Ransanne is known; one of his descendants was in the 15th century, the castle (château ) built and still in 1518, a certain Andrée de Ransanne thanked the then King Francis I for his confidence.

Attractions

• The Romanesque parish church ( Église Sainte -Geneviève ) from the 12th century boasts one of the most beautiful western portals in this part of Saintonge, which however has been restored due to damage during the years of the Revolution in the 19th century: it is technically perfectly crafted Archivolts portal with restrained decor; the capitals of the columns are set largely unadorned. Get original are the choir and the apse of the church. The south transept still shows rubble masonry and thus could also date from this period, if not a little gothic window would indicate a later construction. The rectangular in plan with central tower dates back to safety from a later period; its block-like shape and the window completely and decor loose outer walls are reminiscent of a defensive tower. The interior of the nave is barrel vaulted church architecture, the arch thrust has already caused a slight slope of the outer walls. The Vierungsbereich shows a significantly better stone processing, a ribbed vault and a Gothic chancel arch. The church is recognized as a monument historique since 1996.
• The Château is situated outside of Soulignonne de Ransanne is a building dating from around 1500 with minor changes of the 18th century. Close the window above already straight off and have a window cross, which was fashionable at the time. The towering roofs contribute much to the representative overall impression of the building. The grounds also include a dovecote dating from the 16th century. The castle is privately owned and is not open to visitors; it was recognized in 1991 as a monument historique.