Jim and I always love to visit churches and cathedrals. The beauty and peace of these lovely spaces is particularly welcoming on hot summer days when the cool dark interiors are lit only by the sun streaming through jewel colored windows and alcoves glow with ambient lighting.
This was definitely the case when we stepped inside Colmar France’s main Gothic church, Église Saint-Martin (Church of St. Martin).
This was definitely the case when we stepped inside Colmar France’s main Gothic church, Église Saint-Martin (Church of St. Martin).
The Église Saint-Martin, constructed between 1234 and 1365 as a church devoted to the cult of Martin of Tours, was built upon a the foundations of earlier Carolingian and Romanesque churches dating as early as the 11th century. The current, decorative “lantern helmet” crowning the bell tower was added in 1572 in the Renaissance style.
The immense church is built of red and gold stone in the shape of a Latin cross and the roof is decoratively tiled in typical Alsatian pattern. On the South Transept is the “Saint Nicholas Portal with its intricately carved Double Tympanum. The “Charity of St. Nicholas” is below and “The Last Judgement” is above.
The immense church is built of red and gold stone in the shape of a Latin cross and the roof is decoratively tiled in typical Alsatian pattern. On the South Transept is the “Saint Nicholas Portal with its intricately carved Double Tympanum. The “Charity of St. Nicholas” is below and “The Last Judgement” is above.
The interior of the chapel has an ambulatory (rare in Alsatian churches) off of which chapels containing altars and statuary radiate. An impressive Baroque organ case (the interior workings have been completely replaced) sits high above the nave. The High Gothic choir dates from 1350-1366. The entire space is lit by tall narrow 13th century stained glass windows depicting bible stories.
Be sure to take time to visit the impressive Église Saint-Martin and enjoy the quiet spiritual space of this beautiful church.
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