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Origin and history

Saint Martin de Tura Church, also known as Sant Marti de Turà, is a Romanesque building located in the commune of Rivesaltes, in the department of the Pyrénées-Orientales. It is distinguished by its location north of the city, on the edge of the Agly River, a location which has exposed it to frequent floods over the centuries. Its architecture and history reflect the medieval influences of the region, marked by successive changes.

The initial construction of the church remains poorly documented, although some hypotheses suggest an origin from the 7th or 8th century. In the 12th and 13th centuries, it came under the influence of several lords and religious institutions, including the lord of Peyrepertuse, then the abbeys of Alet-les-Bains and Fontfroide. In 1237 it acquired the status of parish church, confirming its central role in local life. His history is also marked by archaeological excavations carried out in 1944, 1945 and 1990, revealing elements of his past.

Several times victimized by the Agly floods, the church has undergone many changes over the centuries. These changes, often dictated by the need to repair flood damage, have helped shape its current appearance. Archaeological excavations helped to better understand its evolution, while highlighting its historical and religious importance in the Roussillon. Today, it bears witness to the richness of the Romanesque heritage of the Occitanie region.

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