The commune of Siorac-de-Ribérac lies in the forest of the Double, in the west of the Dordogne department. It is bounded on its south side for about 4 km by the Rizonne stream, which separates it from the neighbouring communes of Saint-André-de-Double and Saint-Vincent-de-Connezac.
The commune's lowest point, at 73 m, is to the south-west where the Rizonne leaves the commune for Vanxains and La Jemaye. The highest point, at 195 m, is to the north-east, at The Temple, at the boundary with Saint-Martin-de-Ribérac.
Church
Siorac's romanesque church dates from the 12th and 14th centuries
The village church of St Peter in Chains began in 1154, during the English period in the region, Aquitaine. The 12th century freestone nave and bell tower survived. At that time, the church was part of the Benedictine priory of the nuns of Ligueux. In the 14th century, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the defensive rectangular tower was added, using quarry stone. At the same time, the walls and bell tower were increased in height, again with quarry stone. The walls at the west entrance are believed to be 3 metres thick. A bell was provided in 1851; it was replaced in 1979. The nave originally had a wooden vault; it has been replaced by a stone vault.[5]
Population
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1962
249
—
1968
270
+8.4%
1975
226
−16.3%
1982
228
+0.9%
1990
227
−0.4%
1999
265
+16.7%
2008
258
−2.6%
Gallery
The old railway station, now an activity centre
The restored wash-house or "Lavoir"
The west door of the church
Gilt and polychrome wood altarpiece or retable in the church, made in the 17th century for the Carthusian monastery of Vauclair, Montpon
