Saint Martin

+33 3 21 33 79 30

Saturday 6 pm

After a previous building dating from 15th to 16th century, the church of St. Martin in Rinxent was entirely rebuilt during the 19th century in stone from Marquise and Napoleon marble (two varieties of local marble), by the parish priest Father Guche. The work took place from 1860 to 1885. 

In the neo-gothic style, the nave with cross-vaulting rests on carved corbels. But it is the quality of its furnishings and interior decoration which make the church exceptional. Among other elements of interest a magnificent monumental pulpit  in carved stone can be seen. The sides show the attributes of the four evangelists and at the base are figures of the theological virtues. The main altar is of white marble, alabaster and gilded bronze. It is decorated with low relief carvings (Christ prepared for his tomb, under the altar table ; the Last Supper ; and Christ teaching).

Quite as remarkable are the altars of the side chapels, the confessional, the mosaic floor of the sanctuary, the stained glass windows (among which is one showing Father Guche with various religious personalities). The marble lacing of the communon banks must not be forgotten. Finally, in front of the left-hand side altar is a statue of Saint Wildeforte, a local saint  who refused an arranged marriage and prayed to God to disfigure her beauty. Her wish was granted by the growing of a thick beard which covered her face, but her father caused her to die under torture. In Christian iconography she is the only saint who is shown crucified.