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Origin and history

The Saint-Martin de Moulins church, located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in Brittany, is a religious building dating back to the 12th century. It is representative of Brittany's rural churches, with a Latin cross plan, a covering panel, and a bell tower positioned at the top of the nave. Romanesque elements remain, especially in the southern wall of the nave, taken over in the 15th century. This building has evolved over the centuries, with significant additions and reconstructions.

In the 16th century, three chapels were added, one of which is decorated with a Renaissance-decorated door, known as Mortuary Gate, flanked by felted pilasters. The nave was rebuilt in the 18th century, while the choir was built in 1836. The western gate, dating from the 15th or 16th century, is characterized by a broken arch and columns decorated with capitals in the shape of human heads. A polygonal arrow dominates the whole, adding to its distinctive architectural character.

The church retains remarkable furniture and a glass roof attributed to Michel Bayonne. Although some wall decorations are in poor condition, they contribute to the historical charm of this monument. The building has been listed as a Historic Monument since May 17, 1974, recognizing its heritage value. Originally, the parish depended on Saint-Melaine Abbey in Rennes, highlighting its religious and historical importance in the region.

The site also includes practical elements such as a floor sacristy, a former 18th century treasury, and a western porch added to the same period. These features, combined with its rich history, make the Church of St.Martin a precious testimony of Breton religious architecture throughout the ages.

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