Church of Saint Martin de Tournes

Saint-Martin church: a historical and architectural overview

The round tower at the base of the bell tower could be the remains of a former castle, reused when the church was rebuilt. It is the oldest part of the building. The nave and chancel probably date from the late 15ᵉ century, based on the chancel bays. The vaults, completed in the 17ᵉ century, have blocked certain bays, such as the one in the south aisle, and feature ornate hanging keys, including the Argy family coat of arms. In the same century, fire hydrants and braces were added, along with the raising of the tower. The north portal, dated 1567, leads to a small building. The large bays in the nave date from the 19ᵉ century. A major restoration took place between 1924 and 1931.

The church, located in the centre of the village, follows an elongated plan. It comprises a nave with three vessels and three bays, a projecting transept and a chancel with a straight bay ending in a polygonal apse. The bell tower has a round base and a square top. An imposing sacristy rests on the south arm of the transept. The interior is rib-vaulted with sculpted hanging keys. The limestone rubble walls are pierced with bays from different periods and numerous defensive openings. The floor is in black marble or black and grey checkerboard, and the slate roof has different pitches depending on the volume.