Sainte Marie-Madelaine (Martigues)
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The church Sainte Marie-Madelaine , also Sainte Marie-Madelaine-de-l'Île , in Martigues , Provence , is a Roman Catholic sacred building of the Baroque .
history
The church, known for a long time as the “Cathédrale” by the residents of Martigues, was built between 1670 and 1680. It is considered the most imposing church in the city and characterizes the Provencal-Baroque style of architecture and décor with an Italian influence. It was built on the site of a previous church. The building testifies to the city's prosperity in the 17th century. Its east-west orientation can also be found in the Saint Genest church in the Jonquières district, but it is otherwise peculiar. It is based on the fact that the church is built along the canal banks. The church is built in the heart of the city in a densely populated area and its monumentality contrasts with the modest houses in the area.
Location and appearance
The church is located in the old town of Martigues on an island on the canal bank. The main facade of the building, built in the Provencal Baroque style between 1680 and 1688, faces the Place Rouget de l'Isle . The facade is divided into three axes and two floors and is crowned by a triangular gable. Four Corinthian columns flank the portal and carry a distinctive, capped segmented gable . A stone Madonna and Child is enthroned in a richly decorated niche above the portal . The bell tower built in the west in 1847 replaced a previous one. The northern side entrance in Mannerist style comes from the previous building. In 1669 access was forbidden by the Bishop of Arles ( François Adhémar de Monteil de Grignan ) because a new structure was being built.
inner space
The interior takes on the two-story structure of the facade and is structured by pilasters and a surrounding beam . Barrel -vaulted side chapels of shallow depth adjoin the nave . Most of the side chapels have altars with paintings by Michel Serre (1658–1733), with the pulpit protruding from a side chapel into the nave. The grooved wooden strip ceiling is painted ornamentally. The organ builder Prosper-Antoine Moitessier from Montpellier created the romantic organ in 1851 .
The axial spatial structure is related to the high altar . The high altar picture from the 17th century shows the crucifixion of Christ with the church patroness Maria Magdalena at his feet and is surrounded by a painted textile canopy . What is striking is the lack of an architecturally accentuated choir room - only a step with a railing separates the lay room from the sanctuary .
Canal side of the church with bell tower
Madonna and Child at the main portal
Interior with pulpit and organ
Strip ceiling
St. Joseph side chapel
organ
Web links
- Parish Martigues (French)
Coordinates: 43 ° 24 '19.3 " N , 5 ° 3' 16.9" E