Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint Martin de Gentelles found its origins in the early 13th century, with the construction of a chapel, replaced a century later by a Gothic church. These first structures disappeared during the First World War, when the village was razed in 1918 during the Battle of the Kaiser, the final German offensive. No medieval vestige remained after this total destruction.

The reconstruction of the church took place during the inter-war period, according to the plans of architect Jacques Debat-Ponsan. The choice of brick and a sober art deco style marked a break with the medieval past, while maintaining a traditional basilical plan. The massive bell tower-porch, covered with dardoise, and the bays in the middle of the hanger became the signatures of this new building, symbol of rebirth for the community.

Inside, the church houses objects classified as survivors or integrated later: 12th century baptismal fonts (classified in 1907), 14th century Virgin with Child (classified in 1990), and 18th century crucifix (registered in 1985). The stained glass windows of the 1940s, dedicated to saints like Saint Thérèse de Lisieux or Saint Martin, complete to link the building to its religious and local history.

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