Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Langres, located in the Haute-Marne, is a religious building built mainly in the 13th century. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1977 and has undergone several construction and restoration campaigns, notably after a fire in 1725. The present building consists of three vessels of medieval origin, supplemented by two collaterals added in the eighteenth century, designed to respect the original Gothic style.

The restoration carried out between 1728 and 1745 by the architect Claude Forgeot made it possible to rebuild the parts damaged by the fire, while integrating stylistic elements consistent with the medieval era. The facade, sober and symmetrical, was rebuilt in 1745 and is accompanied by an atypical bell tower for French architecture, rising to 52 meters. This steeple, richly decorated in its high parts, evokes an Italian influence.

The interior of the church houses two remarkable organs: an organ in the gallery, built in 1899 by Henri Didier and today in poor condition, and an 18th century choir organ, still used for worship. The latter has been enclosed in a buffet classified as a historical monument since 1970. A particular feature of the church is its ground mosaic, decorated with svastikas, a Hindu symbol of perpetual life, often misinterpreted because of its erroneous association with Nazism.

The Saint Martin church thus illustrates a superposition of architectural periods, mixing medieval heritage, baroque restorations and unusual decorative elements. Its classification in 1977 and the protection of its organs testify to its heritage importance in the Grand Est region.

External links