Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The site of the ancient seaside of Moissac houses the remains of a third century basilica, backed by a Gallo-Roman wall with cylindrical buttresses. These remains include a hypocauste (floor heating system) dated from the third or fourth century, revealing an ancient occupation linked to thermal baths or a public building. The initial rythm, built between the 6th and 7th centuries, marks the Christianization of the site, followed by a polygonal apse in the 9th century and a nave added before the 10th century.

In the 11th and 12th centuries, major repairs were made in the 14th century (chevet, portal) and a southern chapel was added with frescoes from the 15th century. A porch was erected in the 17th century, while a northern chapel, built in the 19th century, was destroyed around 1920. The church, dedicated to Saint-Martin (and temporarily to Saint-Ansbert), preserves 14th century murals classified in 1953, as well as archaeological remains protected since 2023.

The site illustrates an exceptional historical stratification, combining Gallo-Roman heritage, medieval religious buildings and modern transformations. Recent excavations and protections (2023) underline its heritage importance, linked both to Moissac's ancient urban planning and its continuing religious role since the early Middle Ages. The accuracy of its location (8/10) and its communal management make it an accessible place, although partially preserved.

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