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Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint Martin de Ballots church, dedicated to Saint Martin, is located in the municipality of Ballots, Mayenne. Although its first traces of ecclesiastical organization date back to the early 12th century, the oldest parts still visible today date back to the 15th century, such as the wall along the rue de Paris and the pillars with their capitals. These elements testify to a medieval church, partially preserved despite subsequent transformations.

In the 19th century, the church underwent major architectural changes. In 1859, under the direction of architect Renous, a second side and a tower were added. The work will include granite arcades and sculpted capitals on the first side. The wooden vault and exposed structure, characteristic of the building, also houses 18th-century side retables, accompanied by their original statue and a 17th-century silver copper processional cross.

Several important events have rhythmized the recent history of the church. In 1873 the old bell tower was demolished, and in 1876 the tower was completed and two bells were acquired. The same period saw the construction of a gallery. The church's inventory took place on 5 March 1906, and in 1907 an oil lamp lighting was installed there, later replaced by electricity in 1928. Finally, since 1925, the church cross has been fixed at the entrance of the presbytery, marking its anchoring in local life.

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