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Origin and history

The church Saint-Martin de Coudres, located in the department of Eure in Normandy, was originally a central element of the priory Saint-Martin, founded in the 11th century under the dependence of the Abbey of Bourgueil. This priory, dissolved at the end of the eighteenth century, left as an inheritance a church whose oldest parts date back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The building underwent major reconstruction at the end of the 15th century, while its structure, particularly that of the nave, dates from the 16th century. Mural paintings, probably from the 16th century, were discovered in 1986 in the nave, revealing an unknown artistic heritage.

The bell tower and the west gable, characteristic of 13th century architecture, contrast with the choir and nave, rebuilt around 1680. The interior decoration was attributed to Michel Gérard in 1686, and restorations were carried out in 1763 by Jacques Dupray. These transformations reflect the stylistic evolutions and liturgical needs of the time. The church, which has been owned by the municipality since its de-assignment as a priory, was included in the inventory of historical monuments on January 19, 1999, thereby recognizing its heritage value.

The church furniture, covering a period from the twelfth to the nineteenth century, includes a remarkable high relief representing a Descent of the Cross, perhaps dated the twelfth century. This furniture, together with the architectural elements preserved, testify to the historical and artistic richness of the site. The building, still located in the heart of the village of Coudres, remains a symbol of the religious and community history of the region, open to visit and anchored in the local landscape.

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