St Martin's Church, Colmar, Gothic collegiate church in Colmar, France
St Martin's Church is a Gothic structure in Colmar with a square bell tower topped by a Renaissance helmet roof of colored tiles. The facade displays multiple carved stone portals that frame entries into the building.
Construction began in 1234, yet the site held two earlier churches before this one appeared. A Carolingian structure from around 1000 and a Romanesque building previously occupied this location.
Inside, you see medieval altars and stained glass windows with a beardless Christ figure from the 13th century that fills the space with colored light. The Baroque organ case from 1755 adds another layer to the artistic treasures displayed throughout.
The bell tower is visible from many parts of the city, helping you navigate. The interior is easily accessible, and you should look upward to properly see the windows and vaulting.
Excavations in the 1970s uncovered the foundations of two earlier churches buried beneath the current structure. These discoveries reveal how many layers of religious architecture rest one on top of another at this spot.
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