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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Commeny, located in Val-d Built in a primitive Gothic style, it initially included a four-span nave with low sides, a transept surmounted by a central bell tower, and a flat-side choir. The damage suffered during the Hundred Years' War necessitated partial reconstructions at the beginning of the 16th century, including the transept cruises and the last spans of the coasts, rebuilt in a flamboyant Gothic style. In 1568, the nave and its flanks were completely vaulted and reworked in a rustic Renaissance style, retaining only the large northern arcades of origin, the cross of the transept, the choir and the primitive bell tower.

In the 19th century, the church underwent radical changes: the medieval bell tower, threatened by structural problems, was demolished in 1832 and replaced in 1833 by a sober-style bell tower designed by the architect Rousseau de Pontoise. The nave, weakened by the thrust of the vaults, was consolidated with metal pulls and iron reinforcements, partially altering its architectural authenticity. Despite these modifications, the building retains remarkable elements, such as the altarpiece of the 1694 polychrome stone master altar, or the carved vault keys of the lower side. Ranked as a historical monument in 1926, the church remains a testimony to the architectural evolutions and historical vicissitudes of the region.

The choir, dating from the end of the 12th century, offers a preserved example of primitive Gothic art, with its hooked capital columns and its warhead vault decorated with a key representing a chimera. The lower side, rebuilt in 1568, blends soberly decorated Renaissance vaults with flamboyant doubles, illustrating the transition between medieval and modern styles. Outside, the southern wall and the bell tower-porch, built in 1833, reflect the 19th century interventions, while the flamboyant staircase turret of the southern crusillon recalls the additions of the late medieval period.

The church furniture includes several classified rooms, including a 1694 baroque altarpiece depicting Pentecost, framed by statues of St.Martin and St. Joseph. A 14th century Virgin with the Child, a Christ on the Cross of the same century, and popular statues of the 17th and 16th centuries (as Saint Barbe or Saint Fiacre) complete this ensemble. These elements, combined with the building's hybrid architecture, underline its central role in Commeny's religious and community life, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era.

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