Opening the door of the dead 1542 (≈ 1542)
South door with engraved chronogram.
1552-1554
Construction of the triumphal arc
Construction of the triumphal arc 1552-1554 (≈ 1553)
Renaissance architectural elements added.
1744-1764
Making altars and altarpieces
Making altars and altarpieces 1744-1764 (≈ 1754)
Interior furnishings in Baroque style.
1868
Drilling of a North Bay
Drilling of a North Bay 1868 (≈ 1868)
Change in natural lighting.
2004
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 2004 (≈ 2004)
Registration of the entire church.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The entire church (Box A 319): inscription by decree of 5 March 2004
Key figures
Information non disponible - No characters cited in the sources
The available archives do not mention any specific actors related to the construction or transformation of the building.
Origin and history
The church of Saint-Martin de Souvigné-sur-Même was first mentioned in 1281, when the parish was attested. This monument, with a unique nave and without transept or d Its history is closely linked to the successive transformations that marked its evolution, especially from the beginning of the sixteenth century.
In the 16th century, the building underwent extensive work on embellishment and development. In 1502, stained glass windows were installed, followed in 1504 by a panelling of the vessel, built around 1500. A door of the dead, located to the south, was opened in 1542, as evidenced by the engraved chronogram. Between 1552 and 1554, a triumphal arc was added, marking a major phase of internal restructuring. These changes illustrate the adaptation of the church to the artistic and liturgical tastes of the Renaissance.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw a new campaign of transformation, mainly focused on interior design. Between 1744 and 1764 altars and altarpieces were made, modernizing the choir and reflecting the influence of the religious Baroque style. In 1868, a bay was pierced to the north, slightly changing the natural lighting of the nave. These late additions show continuous use of the building, adapted to the cultural and aesthetic needs of successive periods.
Classified as a historical monument in 2004, the church of Saint Martin is now owned by the municipality of Souvigné-sur-Même. Its listing in the inventory of historical monuments highlights its heritage interest, both in its architecture and in the physical traces of the different periods of construction. The location, although considered approximate (level 5/10), allows to situate the building in the historic urban fabric of this Sarthois village.
