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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Martin church of Entrevennes, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is a Romanesque religious building dating back to the middle of the 12th century. Placed under the name of the Assumption and dedicated to Saint Martin, it has undergone many transformations over the centuries, including partial reconstruction of the nave in the 16th century and restorations in the 19th century. Its architecture combines Romanesque elements, such as the Lombardic bands of the Čabside and the carved capitals, with subsequent additions, such as the lower side (including that of the south, dated 1867).

The church houses remarkable furniture, including several rooms classified as historical monuments as objects. Among them, a statue of the Virgin in the 19th century assumption in golden pasteboard, a crèche with nine santons of the same period, and a silver chalice of the 17th century. A procession cross of the 15th or 16th century, made of silver covered wood and decorated with chiseled scenes, bears witness to the know-how of local goldsmiths, especially those of Digne. These elements illustrate the artistic and religious importance of the place.

Listed Historical Monument by decree of 29 February 1988, the Church of Saint Martin reflects the architectural and liturgical evolution of the region. Its inscription protects both its Romanesque structure and its furniture, offering a tangible testimony of the religious and artisanal history of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The successive modifications, such as the addition of side chapels or the square tower housing the bells, underline its adaptation to the cultural and aesthetic needs throughout the centuries.

The available sources, including Raymond Collier's works (La Haute-Provence monumentale et artistique, 1986), complement the official data of the Merimée database and platforms such as Monumentum. These references document the precise location of the monument (Insee code 04077), its status as a communal property, and its potential opening to the public, although the practical details remain to be confirmed.

The Romanesque style of the church, characterized by cradle vaults and Lombard decorations, is part of the Provencal architectural heritage. Local influences, such as the animal motifs of capitals or the techniques of goldsmiths, reinforce its regional anchor. Despite the transformations, the building maintains a stylistic unit, mixing medieval heritage and modern enrichments.

Finally, the Church of Saint Martin is integrated into a wider network of historical monuments of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, participating in the enhancement of the region's religious and cultural heritage. Its inclusion in specialized databases (Clochers de France, Observatoire du Patrimoine Religiouse) attests to its heritage interest, while inviting further research on its history and conservation.

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