Southern Burgundy Romanesque ChurchesBlanot Saint-Martin

The village church of Blanot - Saint-Martin was built in 11th century on the site of a Merovingian cemetery. Saint-Martin was built on land given by the lord of Brancion and his wife Doda in April 927. Construction of Saint-Martin started sometime in the 11th century. Saint-Martin was once, as were a few of the Romanesque churches in the region part of a priory under the influence of Cluny. The building of the former priory is still standing and is just across for Saint-Martin. Note: the former priory is now a private residence and closed to the public.

Saint-Martin is a simple small church with one nave and a roof supported by wood trusses not stone arches as are most Romanesque churches in the area. The present day entrance to Saint-Martin is through a side door on the south side. The former entrance was at the west end.

The bell tower of Saint-Martin is rather tall as it was lengthened in the 16th century, for what were defensive motivations. The bell tower is Saint-Martin’s most distinct feature. With its pointed roof and added height. The added top story has one double arched window on each side with a small column in the middle. Giving the appearance of two windows. This is somewhat the style of the level below but it’s difficult to tell as the windows have been filled in and all one can see is the outline. The bottom story of the bell tower has small square windows on each side.

The nave of Saint-Martin is simple with minimal lighting (the wall of the nave has few windows) and little decoration. Because of this the inside can be dark and chilly. The round apse of Saint-Martin has three windows, this adds some sun to the alter and apse. There are two steps up to the apse from the nave. This could mean that the apse and nave were built at different times.

Hotels in Burgundy