Church on Sunday...St. Martin,Mosnes

The church of St.Martin in Mosnes, a small town on the banks of the Loire midway between Amboise and Chaumont-sur-Loire is unremarkable when viewed from the front. To get any real sense of its history you have to venture around the back..

Here you will get a glimpse of its 12th century Romanesque origins,with the its original asp and the lower part of the bell tower. The top of the tower dates from the 18th century when repairs were made after a lighting strike.

The current appearance of the church owes much to restorations made during the second half of the 19th century. There is a slight homage to its origins in the detail around the entrance.

Inside is certainly more appealing than the outside with its vaulted nave letting you think you are in a building of a more grandeur appearance.

Loved this curved bench within the choir of the church.

The side chapels which were an earlier addition to the original Romanesque church date from the sixteenth century.

The stained glass windows of the church are by the 'Fournier' factory of Tours.

Where's Joan?

Here she is on her pedestal.

The less than attractive view of the external 19th century extensions.