Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Cattenom, originally dedicated to Saint-Étienne, was built between the second half of the 11th century and the first half of the 12th century. Only the choir and the tower-clocher in limestone and sandstone remain from this medieval period, the rest of the early nave having been demolished in 1830. These ancient elements, protected by a 1991 decree, bear witness to Lorrain Romanesque architecture, with local materials such as limestone and sandstone.

The major reconstruction took place in 1831, engraved on the western facade, under the direction of architect Derobe fils (Metz) and entrepreneur Jean Hoffmann (Yutz). The nave and a new choir were erected according to modern plans, while the medieval bell tower was preserved. The building then became the parish church of Saint Martin, replacing a former place of worship located southeast of the village. A gallery was added in 1857, and frescoes, made by Jean Engel in 1900, enriched his interior decor.

The site also preserves substructions of the old nave, partially located under the present church. These remains, as well as the tower, have been classified as Historic Monuments since 1991. The location of the building, at 22 Rue Jeanne d'Arc, reflects its anchoring in the urban fabric of Cattenom, in Moselle, in the heart of the Grand East region.

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