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Origin and history

The church Saint-Martin de Longjumeau, located in the Essonne department in Île-de-France, is a Gothic-style religious building dating back to the 13th century. Built around 1250 under the direction of architect Hugues Piedoie (master of work of Saint Louis), it replaces an ancient Merovingian church. Its bell tower, 24 meters high, and its western facade adorned with a flamboyant 15th century portal are among its most remarkable elements. The interior, composed of a nave of three spans and a chorus with a flat bedside, mixes preserved parts of the 13th century (hardened capitals) and covers of the late 15th century (penetration vaults).

The history of the church is marked by several fires and reconstructions. Partially destroyed during the Hundred Years' War by the troops of Edward III of England, it was restored at the end of the 15th century, probably thanks to the financing of the Gaillard lords. A new fire in the 18th century led to the modification of the top of the bell tower in 1774. During the French Revision, it became a Temple of Reason and in 1794 hosted the Feast of Supreme Being. Ranked a historic monument in 1910, it houses notable furniture, including a painting of the Supper attributed to Simon Vouet (circa 1630-1631), classified in turn.

The interior furnishings and decorations reflect the successive epochs: a stone master altar of Caen (18th century), stalls from the Priory of Val-Saint-Éloi, an 18th century dais, and a confessional of the same period. Outside, the pepper turret at the northwest corner may have served as the lantern of the dead, recalling the old cemetery in front of the church. The church square, where it stands, marks the intersection of ancient historical roads, including the road of Paris-Orléans (ex-RN20).

The Church of St.Martin thus illustrates almost eight centuries of religious and architectural history, from its medieval foundation to its modern transformations, while remaining an active place of worship and a testimony of the francilian Gothic heritage.

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