The capital of the department, Périgueux, reflects the region's long and diverse history, with an architectural heritage ranging from Roman ruins to Renaissance buildings lining cobbled streets. The history of the church of Saint-Front of Périgueux gave rise to numerous discussions between archæologists. Félix de Verneihl claims that Saint-Front was a copy of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice; Quicherat, that it was copied from the church of the Holy Apostles of Constantinople. M. Brutails is of opinion that if St. Front reveals an imitation of Oriental art, the construction differs altogether from Byzantine methods. The dates 984-1047, often given for the erection of Saint-Front, he considers too early; he thinks that the present church of Saint-Front was built about 1120-1173, in imitation of a foreign monument by a native local school of architecture which erected the other domed buildings in the south-west of France.

The 20th century in the Dordogne has been characterised by a continual rural exodus with many of the depopulated regions now being dependent upon agriculture and tourism. Nevertheless, a number of light industries such as wood, paper, and shoes continue to exist in the towns of the department.

Population (1982) 377, 356.
Population (2004) 671, 229.

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