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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Martin de Rouvres, located in the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a Catholic monument probably dating back to the Merovingian period (Vth-VIIIth century), as evidenced by its dedication to Saint Martin. Some remains in the building date back to the 11th century, but the main nave, of Renaissance style, was built in the middle of the 16th century. The church, damaged during the Hundred Years' War, benefited from major restorations during this period, including a wooden arch, dated 1536, decorated with symbols evoking the solar eclipse during the crucifixion of Christ.

The bedside and bell tower, of Romanesque origin (11th century for the strain), contrast with the slate arrow added later. The north side, commissioned in 1820, illustrates the additions of the 19th century, with square pillars in sandstone distinct from those, cylindrical, from the south nave. The building, built of Vernon stone and blocks of land, houses a dozen unique sundials in the department, one of which indicates both Western and Eastern time. The walls, covered with ancient graffiti, could testify to the passage of pilgrims or companions, or local funeral practices, the cemeteries formerly surrounding the churches.

The Church of Saint Martin contains 34 objects classified as historical monuments, including 17th century oval baptismal fonts and nine paintings inscribed in 2017. Its bell tower, once with two bells, preserves only one, dating from 1760 and weighing 1,600 kg, the other having been removed during the Revolution. The Charitons, a Norman and Eurelian brotherhood created in the 11th century and active until 1960, ensured burials, their origin being linked to the black plague. Ranked a historic monument in 1992, the church incorporated in 2018 the plan to safeguard the heritage (Mission Stéphane Bern) due to degradations by hair lifts, mobilising a local association for its restoration (ASRER, founded in 2017).

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