Presbytery with its enclosure

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Carbet Presbytery, located in Martinique, is a typical construction of the 2nd half of the 17th century, first mentioned in 1687. This elevated ground floor building with a square floor is distinguished by its monumental staircase and segmental arch entrances. The Persians, windows and wooden balcony reflect the colonial architecture of the time. At the back, a wooden covered gallery and a garden complete the whole, the latter revealing traces of an ancient Indian village thanks to the discoveries of pottery.

The presbytery suffered major damage during the earthquake of 11 January 1839, requiring repairs from 1840, along with the neighbouring church. In the 20th century, changes were made: the tile roof was replaced by mechanical tiles, and some stone walls were consolidated with cement. These interventions illustrate the adaptations of the heritage to climatic hazards and technical developments. The site, including its enclosure, was classified as Historic Monument by decree of 20 July 1992, recognizing its historical and architectural value.

Today, the rectory is a property shared between an association and the municipality of the Carbet. Its history thus combines colonial heritage, Amerindian memory and preservation stakes. The location of the monument, although documented (5108 Rue Perrinon), remains of poor geographical accuracy (note 5/10), reflecting the mapping challenges in the ultramarine territories.

The backyard, partially searched, offers a rare testimony of Martinique's first human occupations before European colonization. These remains, combined with the architecture of the presbytery, make it a site of dual value: both colonial built heritage and pre-Columbian memory. Discovered pottery highlights the archaeological importance of the site, still little exploited.

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