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Origin and history

Saint-Sébastien-Saint-Martin Church is a former Catholic church located in the old village of Pierrefeu, in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, it is distinguished by its spectacular location, framed by two rock formations: the Baou de la Tourré on the right and the Baou Redou on the left. Its square bell tower is based on an older structure, reflecting its complex architectural history.

The building was listed as historic monuments on September 24, 1968, recognizing its heritage value. After restoration, the church was transformed in 1981 into a museum called "Out of Time". This museum housed a collection of paintings inspired by Genesis, mixing abstract, figurative and surrealist works by renowned artists such as Yves Brayer, Carzou and Jean-Michel Folon. The permanent exhibition aimed to offer an ecumenical and international approach to sacred art.

In 2024, the museum no longer exists, and according to the mayor of Pierrefeu, the church was not accessible to the visit in January of that year. This place, once dedicated to both worship and contemporary art, illustrates the evolution of religious buildings in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its architecture and history make it a unique witness to the local heritage, marked by medieval and modern influences.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, highlight its importance in the cultural landscape of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The church is also mentioned in specialized books, such as L'art religieux dans les Alpes-Maritimes de Philippe de Beauchamp, which devotes a page to this emblematic monument.

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