Gallargues-le-Montueux
Saint-Martin church — Gallargues-le-Montueux
History and heritage context
The current church probably stands on the site of an 8th century Carolingian building , on which the village was built.
It was part of a priory founded in 1027 , linked to the seigneurial origins of Gallargues.
Excavations undertaken during the restorations confirmed this medieval precedence.
Architecture and transformations
Of Romanesque design , the church was extensively remodeled during the 17th century , with significant reconstructions, while retaining the original apse in opus monspeliensium , highlighted by engaged columns.
The bell tower , with its slender tower topped with a campanile (a legacy of the 18th century), includes a bell recast in 1848.
The facade bell tower, a real visual accent, was added in 1853.
Protection and restoration
The Saint-Martin church has been listed as a Historic Monument since June 19, 1986.
It underwent a major restoration between 1999 and 2002 , led by the municipality with the support of the DRAC/Historic Monuments.
A specific intervention on the bell tower was carried out in 2016.
Religious and parish elements
The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours , affiliated with the diocese of Nîmes.
It belongs to the parish group of Aigues-Mortes / Grau-du-Roi , in the Plaine et Camargue deanery.