Sainte-Marthe, Royal collegiate church in Tarascon, France
Sainte-Marthe is a royal collegiate church in Tarascon that combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in a tripartite layout, featuring decorated keystones and a colorful organ case. The building displays these mixed styles through different sections added over several centuries.
Construction began in the 12th century with a dedication in 1197, followed by expansions in the 14th and 15th centuries that added Gothic elements. These building phases show how the church developed from a simple structure into a more complex sanctuary over time.
The church holds the relics of Saint Martha in its crypt, drawing pilgrims who gather for celebrations and devotional events. This sacred connection shapes how visitors experience the space and understand the town's long spiritual tradition.
Access to both levels of the building, the ancient crypt and the upper church section, is available for visitors to explore at their own pace. Wear comfortable shoes, as stairs leading down to the crypt are narrow and steep.
The southern portal displays Romanesque stonework that sustained damage during the French Revolution, and the tower underwent reconstruction after bombing in 1944. These repairs transformed parts of the building while keeping its essential character intact.
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