Sainte-Orse

Sainte-Orse (Senta Orsa) is a commune in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. The church of Saint Ursus (Saint Ours) dates from the 11th-12th century. The castle dates from the 15th-16th century.

Village history
The first written reference of the town is the village church, "Sancta Ursa" recorded in the year 1072. The "Cassini map" of France between 1756 and 1789, shows the village under the name of "'Saint Orse"', and during the revolutionary period of the National Convention (1792-1795), the name was "Orse-le-Pierreux".

Landmarks
A number of historic buildings are located in the town:
 * Church of Saint-Ours, 11th or 12th century Romanesque Church with a 19th-century bell tower. It is listed as a historical monument since 1970.
 * Several Merovingian sarcophagi.
 * The Church also preserves a relic of Pope John Paul II (a piece of the belt of the former Pontiff).
 * Château de Sainte-Orse, 15th and 16th centuries.
 * La Salle gentilhommiere, 18th century, today a school.
 * 18th century Manor of La Faye.
 * Château de Laudonie Den of Peyre-brune.