Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Carignan-de-Bordeaux, located in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a religious building dating back to the 11th century. Originally Romanesque, it preserves its portal and a frontal cornice dating from the twelfth century. The oldest elements, such as the carved modillons inspired by the Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure, bear witness to its medieval heritage, marked by moralistic representations against lust.

In the 15th century, the nave, lateral chapels and polygonal abside were rebuilt in Gothic style, before being vaulted in 1543. The 16th century also saw the addition of murderers, linked to the wars of Religion, as well as a major restoration. An earthquake in 1759 damaged the building, resulting in the raising of the ground, the addition of foothills and the construction of a bell tower — partially destroyed by lightning in 1791. The restorations continued in the 19th century (1885-1886), including the redesign of the portal and the installation of stained glass windows signed by Henri Feur.

The interior contains remarkable elements, such as the monolithic baptism fonts of 1637, classified in 1908, decorated with symbolic sculptures (Jesus wearing a lamb, alpha and omega). A painting, the Adoration of the Shepherds (copy of a work by José de Ribera offered by Louis XVIII), as well as the stained glass windows of 1886, complete this heritage. The church, registered in the General Inventory of Cultural Heritage, thus illustrates almost a millennium of local religious and architectural history.

The western facade, partly Romanesque, preserves 12th century modillons evoking the influence of La Sauve-Majeure. These sculptures, with expressive figures, served to build the faithful by moral warnings. The Gothic peaks of the gate, dated from the 19th century but incorporating medieval elements, highlight the superimposition of the epochs in this emblematic building of the village.

Successive restorations, especially after the damage of the 18th century, preserved a hybrid structure, where primitive novels, flamboyant gothic and modern additions are associated. The church remains a witness to the historical upheavals (wars, earthquakes) and artistic developments that marked the Gironde, while preserving its cult and community function.

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