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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Martin de Noët Church, located in Saint-Justin in the Landes, is a Gothic building dating back to the 14th century. It is characterized by a nave of two spans extended by a square choir, as well as a seigneurial chapel transformed into a sacristy. A fortified tower-clocher, typical of the defensive architecture of the period, was added in the 14th century, while the forepeak and presbytery date back to later periods. The walls, constructed of regular limestone and rubble, bear witness to successive construction campaigns, notably after a fire in 1569 attributed to the Protestant troops of Thoiras.

The first written mention of the church appeared in 1335, although an earlier Romanesque building (late XII century) existed, including a single nave and a southern chapel. In the 14th century, the upper parts were rebuilt, and a monumental porch tower replaced the old bell tower. After the damage of the Wars of Religion, restorations took place in the 16th-17th centuries, with the addition of foothills to stabilize the tower. In the 18th century, a west porch (perhaps dating from 1764) and a presbytery (1759) were built. The 19th century saw the building of a great sacristy, financed by the Viscountess of Nouaillan in exchange for the private use of the former seigneurial chapel.

The church, classified as a historical monument in 1995 with its fortified fence wall, suffered a fire in 1942 requiring a complete renovation. Its architecture thus mixes Gothic elements (dogive vaults, tower-clocher) and later additions, reflecting its evolution throughout the centuries. The materials used, such as shell limestone or bellows, illustrate local techniques and successive adaptations. Today, it remains a major testimony of the religious and defensive heritage of the Landes, marked by conflicts and reconstructions.

The modern sacristy, coupled with the bedside, and the former sepulchral chapel of the lords (now sacristy) underline the social and religious role of the building. The long-paned roof covering the nave and choir, as well as the terraced roofs of the porch and sacristy, complete an architectural silhouette typical of the fortified churches of the region. Written and archaeological sources confirm its importance in local history, from Romanesque times to contemporary restorations.

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