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Origin and history

The Church of St.Martin of Erbajolo, located in the Haute-Corse department, is a Catholic religious building dating back to the twelfth century. Its initial structure, marked by an apparent nave and a cul-de-four vaulted apse, reflects the pisane influence typical of the early Corsican churches. A narrow window, surmounted by an arch carved in a stone lintel, illuminates the abside, while a stone pavement covers the ground, incorporating a hatch leading to a basement today filled. Stone benches partially follow the lateral walls of the nave, characteristic elements of the medieval island religious architecture.

In the 16th century, the church was enriched with a campanile added to the south facade and a remarkable fresco in the abside: a Trinity painted on starry background, representing God the Father supporting the cross of Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove on his chest, surrounded by angels. To the left, the Virgin, now incomplete, was initially to be followed by a missing character, located on the right. These additions reflect a stylistic and liturgical evolution between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Ranked a historical monument by decree of 23 October 1926, the church now belongs to the town of Erbajolo. Its state of conservation and its architectural characteristics make it a representative example of Corsican religious heritage, mixing Romanesque heritage and local influences. The analogies with the 12th century Pisan churches suggest a foundation linked to their presence in Corsica, while the campanile and later frescoes illustrate later adaptations.

The location of the building, specified as satisfactory (level 7/10), and its official address (20212 Erbajolo) are referenced in the Merimée base. The site, a communal property, remains a material testimony of the religious and artistic practices that marked the history of Upper Corsica, between medieval tradition and aesthetic renewal.

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