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Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Martin d'Étain church, located in the department of the Meuse, has its origins in the 12th century, a period from which the tower of the south staircase, adjacent walls and remains in the right span of the choir now remain. This monument is closely linked to regional political history: in 1221 the archbishop of Treves exchanged the city of Etain against Mackeren (now Koenigsmacker in Moselle) with the collegiate of Madeleine in Verdun. This exchange marks the beginning of the construction of the first five spans of the nave and the coasts in the thirteenth century, reflecting the growing influence of the region.

In the 14th century, the church grew with the addition of the 6th and 7th spans, while the choir was completely rebuilt from 1437 thanks to the funding of Guillaume Huin, future cardinal from Ettain (died in 1456). The latter, a major figure in the local Church, leaves his mark with coats of arms still visible. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, six side chapels were added to the north and south coasts, often founded by local notables such as Gilles Paixel (chapelle of 1385) or Jean d'Issoncourt (chapelle Saint-Joseph, 1519). These additions illustrate the growing devotion and patronage of wealthy families in the region.

The recent history of the church is marked by destruction and reconstruction. The bell tower, originally built between 1761 and 1771, was severely damaged in August 1914 during the First World War. The restoration works, carried out between 1920 and 1953 under the direction of architects Marcel Delangle, André Ventre and Paul Pillet, saved the building, classified as a historical monument in 1846. Among the treasures preserved is a Pieta attributed to Ligier Richier (classified in 1905), symbol of the Lorrain devotion to this artistic theme from the 15th century. The church also houses medieval funeral plaques, such as that of Simon Brunnessaulx, and a stand organ built in 1936 by the Roethinger factory.

The Church of Saint Martin thus embodies almost nine centuries of religious, political and artistic history, from its medieval foundations to its resilience to modern conflicts. Its composite architecture, enriched by private chapels and major works of art, makes it an exceptional testimony of the Lorraine heritage.

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