Sunday 9 August 2020

A church on Sunday - Eglise Saint-Martin et Sainte-Marguerite (Les Ormes)


 Today we feature the church of  Saint-Martin and Sainte-Marguerite in Les Ormes - a town that I will feature on my other blog on Tuesday. Whether your first view of this neo-Byzantine style church is from the bridge over the Vienne river or you have searched out its bell tower and arrived in the market square you will most likely find it incongruous to its surroundings.

It is far removed from the typical designs of churches of the area but resting in its position overlooking the square and bordered by the outbuildings of its chateau neighbour it somehow convinces you that it is there by right!


Elegant ?, perhaps, certainly the inside of the church reached by passing under the round bell-tower resting on an octagonal base, supported on a square tower, serving as narthex could be described thus. 
After passing under the elaborate porch you are greeted by what feels like a vast nave.This late 19th century church is of the typical 'Latin Cross' but perhaps because of its location does not respect the tradition of the orientation of the choir towards the east.  
It has some fine examples of stained glass windows...
    
and a befitting pulpit.


Where's Joan?
I was pleased to find her in her typical banner waving pose.
If you are visiting the nearby chateau it is well worth seeking the church and square out  - there are even picnic benches behind the church on the banks of the Vienne.

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