Eglise Saint Martin de la Croix du Perche

Formerly a chapel for the priory founded by the monks of Saint Bernard de Thiron, this unassuming edifice hides a magnificent interior painted in 1537, fully restored with 118 colourful panels. A true artistic treasure!

Originally the chapel of a priory founded by the monks of St. Bernard of Thiron in the 12th century, and then a parish church in the 16th century, this building hides a unique richness beneath its sober exterior, a panelled vault painted with 118 polychrome panels and supported by an exposed framework dated 1537. From the apse to the panels, the decorative motifs and sculptures may refer to biblical texts and characters. There are no documents about the authors of this astonishing work of art, which earned the building the status of historical monument in 1934, and since its restoration, has been admired by many visitors. The 17th century altarpiece, the Christ on the Cross and the statuary also offer some surprising works. Originally the chapel of a priory founded by the monks of St. Bernard of Thiron in the 12th century, and then a parish church in the 16th century, this building hides a unique richness beneath its sober exterior, a panelled vault painted with 118 polychrome panels and supported by an exposed framework dated 1537. From the apse to the panels, the decorative motifs and sculptures may refer to biblical texts and characters. There are no documents about the authors of this astonishing work of art, which earned the building the status of historical monument in 1934, and since its restoration, has been admired by many visitors. The 17th century altarpiece, the Christ on the Cross and the statuary also offer some surprising works. Originally the chapel of a priory founded by the monks of St. Bernard of Thiron in the 12th century, and then a parish church in the 16th century, this building hides a unique richness beneath its sober exterior, a panelled vault painted with 118 polychrome panels and supported by an exposed framework dated 1537. From the apse to the panels, the decorative motifs and sculptures may refer to biblical texts and characters. There are no documents about the authors of this astonishing work of art, which earned the building the status of historical monument in 1934, and since its restoration, has been admired by many visitors. The 17th century altarpiece, the Christ on the Cross and the statuary also offer some surprising works.