The Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe is a Romanesque church located in Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, a commune in southwestern France. The church was built in the 11th century and is known for its stunning frescoes that cover most of the interior walls and ceiling.
The frescoes at Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe are considered to be some of the best-preserved and most complete examples of Romanesque wall painting in Europe. They were painted between the 11th and 13th centuries and depict scenes from the Bible, the lives of the saints, and other religious subjects.
The most famous fresco at Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe is the "Tree of Jesse," which depicts the genealogy of Christ. Other notable frescoes include the "Creation," which shows God creating the world, and the "Last Judgment," which depicts the souls of the dead being judged by Christ.
In addition to the frescoes, the church features several other notable architectural elements, including a Romanesque apse, a Gothic choir, and a sculpted tympanum above the main entrance. The church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
Today, the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe is open to visitors and is a popular tourist destination. It also serves as an active church and hosts concerts and other cultural events throughout the year.