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Origin and history

Saint-Martin de Pompierre Church, located in the Vosges department, is a neo-Roman-style religious building built between 1858 and 1862. It replaces a first parish church of the 12th century, partially rebuilt in the 15th century, but destroyed between 1854 and 1859 due to its poor condition, insufficient size and outlying location. The new building, designed by architect Abel Mathey and designed by entrepreneur Antoine Nitre, incorporates the Romanesque portal of the old church, dismantled and assembled stone by stone. This portal, dated from the end of the 12th century, is considered the most beautiful example of Romanesque sculpture in Lorraine.

The Romanesque portal, classified as a historical monument in 1908, is distinguished by its bas-reliefs in excellent conservation condition. The tympanum represents the Adoration of the Magi, while the lintel illustrates Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem. The arches in the middle of the wall, adorned with zigzag, are supported by six finely carved capitals and columns, mixing plant motifs, animals and biblical scenes like the Resurrection of Lazarus. The Burgundy influence, a region known for its Romanesque churches, is evident.

The present church, although mostly from the 19th century, thus preserves a major testimony of Lorrain Romanesque art. The gate, protected by a wooden appentis, remains the most remarkable element of the monument, attracting attention for its iconographic richness and artistic quality. The carved scenes, such as the massacre of the Innocents or the flight to Egypt, offer a valuable insight into medieval religious symbolism.

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