The Église Saint-Martin (St. Martin's Church) in Colmar, also known as Collégiale Saint-Martin (for its former status as a collegiate church) and Cathédrale Saint-Martin (for its large dimensions, though it has never been a cathedral), dates primarily from the 14th century and contains some notable Gothic artworks.

History of St-Martin

The first known building on this site was a Carolingian church built around 1000, which was followed by a Romanesque church. The present builidng is Gothic and was built between 1234 and 1365. The Renaissance crown over the bell tower was added in 1572.

The Église Saint-Martin suffered extensive damage during the French Revolution and was later restored. In 1982, archaeological excavations revealed the foundations of the Carolingian and Romanesque churches.

What to See at St-Martin

The church is built of red and golden stones in the shape of a Latin cross, with colorful tiled roofs giving it a local Alsatian flavor. The tall, graceful choir at the east end is a contrast with the heavier west end, characterized by asymetrical towers and thick buttresses.

The exterior features several portals with intricately carved tympana. On the south transept is the Saint Nicholas Portal, with a double tympanum featuring the "Charity of St. Nicholas" below and a Last Judgment above.

There are a variety of interesting medieval sculptures on the exterior, including two examples of the Anti-Semitic Judensau: one in the shape of a gargoyle, the other appearing in the corner of a portal.

Inside, the most notable aspect of the nave is the set of the 13th-century stained glass windows, depicting biblical stories such as the Last Supper, Abraham and Isaac and the Ascension of Elijah.

The High Gothic choir dates from 1350-66. It includes an ambulatory, a rare feature in Alsatian churches, and radiating chapels containing medieval altars and statues.

The interior also features an impressive Baroque organ: its case dates from 1755 and the inner mechanism, originally by Johann Andreas Silbermann, were replaced in 1979.

Quick Facts on St-Martin

Site Information
Names:	Cathedrale St-Martin · Collegiale St-Martin · Église Saint-Martin · St-Martin · St. Martin's Church
Country:	France
Categories:	churches; collegiate churches
Styles:	Gothic
Dedication:	St. Martin
Dates:	1234-1365
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	48.077341° N, 7.358351° E
Address:	Place de la Cathédrale Colmar, France
Hours:	Daily 8am-7pm
Lodging:	View hotels near St-Martin

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Personal visit (May 20, 2008).
2. St Martin's Church, Colmar - Wikipedia
3. Eglise St-Martin - Frommers.com
4. Place de la Cathédrale - Planetware

More Information

• Photos of St-Martin - here on Sacred Destinations