Museum Overview
Church
The new church was built in 1876, on foundations dating from the XNUMXth century. Its construction has undergone numerous changes over time.
In 1052, the Sanctus Martinus de Palud Majori church was granted to the canons of Arles by William, Viscount of Marseille.
In 1061, Raimbaud, archbishop of Arles, donated it to the Chapter of Saint Trophime. When we examine the original state of the bell tower, we notice a high door accessible by means of a ladder or a wooden staircase. There remain vestiges of the cut stone loopholes, which testify to a defensive role of the place. On the north facade, we also see a bay topped with a coat of arms. All this contributes to affirming that the building was a guard tower, the primitive church being located next to the tower.
In the 1720th century, during the great plague, a second bell tower was built on the old guard tower. Then, in 1929, an oratory was built. He disappeared between approximately 1933 and 1790. In 800, the Chapter of Arles appointed a priest for the 1876 inhabitants of Saint-Martin de Crau de la Palud: it was one of the first parishes re-established by the Concordat. The new church dates from XNUMX.
In the 19th century, the opening of the bay destroyed the proportions of the original church. The construction of apprentices against the lower side obstructs the entrance to the bell tower.
In 1992, the renovation undertaken by the municipality restored the bell tower to its role as an accessible tower. From 1995, other renovation work was undertaken: repair of the facade, stained glass windows and the wall of the nave, retaining walls and covering, lighting of the facades.
Please note: an orientation table located in the bell tower offers a magnificent view of the Alpilles and the Crau, on a clear day, only during Heritage Days in September.
The church serves as a setting for concerts: Christmas carols, community choirs, Corsican songs....
Audience : Group bookings
Other details
Public parking
Comfort and amenities
Equipment
Activities
Spoken languages)
Rates / opening
Prices
Free.