Saint-Martin collegiate church

The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, which is one of the best-preserved Carolingian monuments in France, was discovered by archaeologists after 20 years of excavation. Sarcophagi dating back to the 5th century were discovered, making it possible to confirm that this building is the oldest church in Angers, although it underwent major modifications over the centuries. In the 10th century, a large Carolingian church was built. Two centuries later, it was modified in Gothic style, giving it a vaulted ceiling and a longer choir. The “good King René”, the famous Duke of Angers, made further changes to embellish the church. However, during the French Revolution, the collegiate church was closed: from then on, it was used for various purposes. As a library, a firewood shop and then the headquarters of the Tobacco Administration, the building suffered from a lack of maintenance over the years. In the 19th century, the roof of the nave collapsed, and the upper part of the bell tower was destroyed, along with its porch and western facade. It was only thanks to a major restoration project launched in 1988 that the church could be opened to the public, to the delight of visitors with a keen interest in medieval history.