The
Saint-Martin
Church
in
Semilly,
built
in
the
13th
century,
has
an
architecture
that
combines
Romanesque
and
Gothic
elements.
The
nave,
composed
of
three
bays,
is
extended
by
a
south
aisle
of
four
bays,
while
the
choir,
with
a
single
bay,
ends
with
a
five-sided
apse.
Fortification
elements,
such
as
a
door
equipped
with
a
beam
locking
device,
suggest
a
defensive
use
of
the
building,
particularly
during
the
Thirty
Years'
War.
The
church
underwent
significant
alterations
at
the
end
of
the
15th
century,
as
indicated
by
an
inscription
dated
1483
on
the
south
side.
These
modifications
particularly
concerned
the
nave,
with
the
reconstruction
of
the
piers,
bays
and
vaults,
incorporating
late
Gothic
elements.
Inside,
the
church
houses
stone
baptismal
fonts,
decorated
with
sculpted
motifs,
testifying
to
the
craftsmanship
of
the
time.
The
stained
glass
windows,
although
restored,
retain
traces
of
their
original
design,
illustrating
biblical
scenes
and
figures
of
saints.
The
Saint-Martin
church
in
Semilly
has
been
listed
as
a
historic
monument
since
August
2,
1946,
thus
recognizing
its
heritage
and
architectural
value.
