Church of Saint Martin of Nieul-lès-Saintes en Charente

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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Martin Church of Nieul-lès-Saintes, located in the centre of the city, is a Catholic religious building emblematic of the Romanesque style. Built in the 12th century, it is characterized by a unique nave without transept, typical of this period. His gate, decorated with a frieze representing forty-five dancing and playing music, probably evokes a village party. This portal, redesigned in the 15th century, also includes capitals of the 13th century and a naive representation of the Old People of Revelation.

In the 17th century, the octagonal bell tower was modified, while in the 19th century, two neo-Roman lateral chapels were added, forming a semblance of transept. The sacristy, located behind the bedside, also dates back to that time. The semi-circular apse, arched in cul-de-four, is illuminated by five Romanesque columns. Inside, the capitals illustrate fantastic themes, mixing animals and plants. The nave and the choir, covered with a broken cradle, contrast with the span under a bell tower, with a nerve dome.

The church houses remarkable furniture, including a black marble funeral plaque by Gabriel Isaie Lemuzin, lord of Varzay and Nieul, who died in 1797. A 17th century painting, painted by Bragny in 1646, depicts Saint Martin sharing his coat. Ranked a historic monument in 1907, this church embodies the architectural and artistic evolution of the Saintonge, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

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