Marmoutier
Église Saint-Martin
Presentation
The first abbey of Marmoutier was founded at the end of the 6th century, and in 824 the abbot Maur, who gave his name to the abbey “Maurimonasterium”, introduced the rule of Saint Benedict. The 12th century was marked by a period of prosperity, and this period (1150-1160) saw the construction of the west- work, considered to be the most beautiful in Alsace. It consists of a narthex (first double bay) and a robust and harmonious facade. The elevation, the variety of sand- stone colours and the Lombardy bands and arches make it a masterpiece. Don‘t miss the relief of the three-headed monster, testimony to ancient Celtic tradi- tions. The nave and transept are Gothic, while the choir dates from the 18th century.
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The Romanesque narthex that precedes the Gothic nave has survived despite successive alterations to the abbey church. It consists of a double bay framed by two side bays. The large longitudinal arches above the twin arches are round-headed. The vaults are ‘coupoliform’ groin vaults. The cubic capitals are divided into double lobes and decorated with concentric designs.
The elevation of this western section is three storeys high. Above this narthex are three rooms. The middle one, like a tribune, opened onto the nave. The other two levels, consisting of a single long room, correspond to the floors of the central square tower.
The transept and nave were rebuilt between 1230 and 1300. The present choir, built around 1765-1770, replaces the Gothic choir built from 1225. Excavations completed in 1972 uncovered the foundations of the pre-Romanesque buildings, which can be seen in the archaeological crypt.
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