Church of Saint Martin in Montmédy - Discover this open and welcoming religious building

Church | 1756 | Renaissance | Other

Disabled access Parking space Toilets

Map

Opening hours

01 February - 31 March
Mon 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Tue 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Wed 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Thu 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Fri 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Sat 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Sun 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00

01 April - 30 September
Mon 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00
Tue 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00
Wed 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00
Thu 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00
Fri 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00
Sat 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00
Sun 10.00 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 18.00

01 October - 30 November
Mon 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Tue 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Wed 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Thu 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Fri 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Sat 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00
Sun 10.30 - 13.00 • 13.30 - 17.00

Guided tour

From the Tourist Office: +33 3 29 80 15 90

Description

Located near the border between France and Belgium, Saint-Martin's church stands in the heart of the citadel of Montmedy.
The first mention of the church of Saint-Martin appears in a charter drawn up in 1156, by which the abbey of Orval (Belgium) obtains its patronage. It rises to the top of a rocky promontory. Smaller than the current church, it is surrounded by a cemetery. In the 13th century, the Counts of Chiny made Montmédy their capital. The hill then became a strategic military location where a castle was built. In the 16th century, Charles V had a citadel built there and, in 1756, the rebuilt church became a military garrison church. The cemetery was moved to the foot of the citadel, where it is still located today.

Overlooking the landscape, Saint-Martin's church is today the emblem of Montmedy. It was listed in the National Inventory of Historic Monuments on October 20, 1929. The church is currently part of the "Heritage and Housing" cluster created in 2016 to preserve the historical heritage of Montmedy. It hosts a cultural space where exhibitions, conferences and organ concerts are regularly organized.

Photos

Remarkable elements

The High Altar

The marble High Altar is surmounted by an impressive six-column semi-canopy, revealing the symbol of the Trinity against a background of a radiant sun.

The Restored Organ

The oak case dates from the late 17th century and was listed as a Historic Monument on 7 December 1993. The pipes were dismantled in 1917 during the German occupation. The association ‘L’orgue de la Citadelle’, set up to aid its restoration, and the municipality of Montmédy worked together to restore the organ to playing condition in 2017. Having not been played for a century, it is now regularly used for concerts.

Madonna and Child

Situated to the left of the Chapel of the Virgin, this polychrome stone Madonna and Child dates from the 14th century. It was listed as a Historic Monument on 20 June 1933. It was brought here by the Germans during the First World War.

Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon

Dating from the 17th century, this polychrome stone statue depicts Saint Michael slaying the Dragon. It was listed as a Historic Monument on 29 May 1936. As tradition dictates, the Archangel Saint Michael should be holding a spear in his right hand. His forearm, which has unfortunately been lost, is missing from the scene.

The choir stalls

An inscription carved on one of the misericords* dates these majestic stalls to 1779. Remarkably carved from oak, they provided a total of 22 seats for members of the clergy. They were listed as a Historic Monument on 20 June 1933.

* A small console placed beneath the seat. When raising the seat, the occupant could lean on it discreetly.

Copyright: ©Office de tourisme Pays de Montmédy

The Malandry Chapel

The Malandry Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion, houses the tombstone of Jean IV d’Allamont, governor of Montmédy, who died in 1644.

How to get there