|
|
|
|
|
 THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARTIN Listed Building - 13th century. 52000 LANGRES GPS : 47.860576,5.33265   Tel. : 03 25 87 67 67 Fax : 03 25 87 73 33 Mail : info@tourisme-langres.com Recorded from the 11th century, the priory of St Martin was initially outside the town walls. This quarter would not be fully integrated (by the extension of the walls) into the town until the mid-14th century. The present church is the result of several building campaigns, from the 14th-18th centuries. From the first period dates the choir and the majority of the bays of the nave. From the end of the mediaeval period dates the hanging keystone of the nave. The fire of 1725 was the occasion to transform the building, part of which was the doubling of the side-aisles in the gothic style of the originals. The Langres architect, Claude Forgeot, reserved his most creative work for the facade. Symmetric and sober, the focus is on the surroundings of the doorway which is set forward and decorated in the Ionic order, and capped by an arched pediment. The single bell-tower does not, however, conform to this symmetric rigour; had Forgeot a second tower in mind? The tower is 52 metres high with four distinct levels. The first respects the sobriety of the facade, the second is blind and is confined by pilasters with Corinthian capitals. The third, open with bays equipped with soundboards (for the bells) has pilasters with composite capitals. The ensemble is rounded off by a campanile, richly decorated by fire pots and pilasters, of which the lower parts are transformed into corbels. Such a rich abundance lends this monument the most Italian touch to be found in the area. Telephone mobile 03 25 87 67 67 Dates and Times of opening Free access all the year. Prices No admission charge. |
