Church of Saint Martin de Cilly dans l'Aisne

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Origin and history

Église Saint-Martin de Cilly is a fortified church located in the Aisne department in the Hauts-de-France region. It is distinguished by its square brick bell tower, which acts as a dungeon and is pierced by murderers. This 16th century dungeon is supported by four foothills reinforced at angles by limestone. The building is surrounded by a brick wall decorated with seven decorative turrets, topped by hexagonal slate roofs.

The church choir, transept and nave were rebuilt at the end of the 19th century, marking an important period of renovation for the monument. These architectural elements contrast with the medieval dungeon, illustrating the evolution of styles and needs over the centuries.

The church is typical of the fortified churches of Thierache, an area known for its religious buildings adapted to defensive functions. Its wall and turrets, though decorative, recall the military concerns of the Middle Ages, while integrating aesthetic elements such as fake machicolis and false dogs-assisses.

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