A priory, dependent from the Abbaye Royale in Saint-Jean-d'Angély, existed here in the 12th century, the church Saint-Germain was erected end of that century. Today it serves the parish - and is in state of urgent repair. The walls of the western facade are cracked and are temporarily stabilized by a construction of wooden beams (previous uploads).

The church is known for the southern portal, a Romanesque masterpiece. Some of the capitals on the sides were "reconstructed" end of the 19th century, but the archivolts are "untouched. Here is a more detailed shot. An Agnus Dei is in the center of the inner archivolt, the Elders of the Apocalypse are seated on an outer archivolt.

Revelation 4:4
"Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads."

For an unknown reason, within the Poitou, the number of 24 Elders did not seem adequate. In Varaize doomsday needed a little more staff.

Here are 9 (two very weathered) of 37 Elders of the Apocalypse.

Saint Pierre in Aulnay has 31, Notre-Dame in Avy has 36 and the Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes even 54 Elders.