Abstract
This monument is an abbey and its church is of roman style. The St Laon abbey was built in the XI century and the church in 1021. A lord of the court of the Thouar's viscount ordered the first shrine. The other buildings were paid by the donations of the pilgrims. In the beginning the relic of St Laon, a bishop of Coutances in the V century, could be found in this shrine. Then it became too small for welcoming pilgrims so the lord decided to build the church of St Laon. The Middle Ages was a prosperous period for Thouars. The economic activities developed considerably so plenty of religious buildings could be built.
The initial roman building was composed of a nave. The church tower, built in the XII century, is the most evident mark of the Roman period. The sculpted capitals*, which adorn this church tower, are also good examples of this style. The interior capitals are decorated with lions or various plants that were themes that the roman sculptors particularly appreciated.
