Église Saint-Saturnin de Champigny-sur-Marne, nestled in the charming town of Champigny-sur-Marne in the Val-de-Marne department of France, is a beacon of historical and architectural splendor. This Roman Catholic church, known locally as église Saint-Saturnin de Champigny-sur-Marne, is not just a place of worship but a testament to centuries of history, architectural evolution, and cultural significance.
The origins of Église Saint-Saturnin de Champigny-sur-Marne trace back to the 11th century, making it a venerable witness to a millennium of history. The first recorded mention dates to 1067 when the church was donated to the priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs by Joscelyn, the second archdeacon, who had received it from the Bishop of Paris. This donation was confirmed in 1085 by the bishop and chapter.
In 1119, Pope Callixtus II issued a bull confirming all possessions of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, including the altar, courtyard, and tithe of Champigny. By 1200, the church had expanded to include a chaplaincy dedicated to Saint James, established by Terric, a canon of Bourges, and his brothers Pierre and Jean.
The church's history is not without its trials. During the Battle of Champigny from November 30 to December 2, 1870, the church suffered significant damage. Despite these adversities, the church was classified as a historical monument on July 22, 1913, cementing its importance in French heritage.
The Église Saint-Saturnin de Champigny-sur-Marne showcases a blend of architectural styles that evolved through centuries of construction and restoration. The earliest surviving structures date back to the late 12th century, including the lower part of the bell tower and the western portal. The choir and nave, constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries respectively, exhibit the early Gothic style.
The western façade, flanked by two buttresses, features a semicircular portal typical of Romanesque architecture, crowned by a window that allows light to flood the interior. The robust base of the bell tower, also from the 12th century, supports the 17th-century tower, which was later modified in the 19th century following damage from the 1870 war.
Step inside the Église Saint-Saturnin de Champigny-sur-Marne, and you are greeted by a spacious nave flanked by two aisles, each with three bays. The nave, characterized by its Gothic ribbed vaults and large arcades on columns with ornate capitals, contrasts with the Romanesque-inspired façade. The chancel, forming the fourth bay and supporting the bell tower, leads to two chapels dedicated to Saint Genevieve and the Virgin Mary.
The interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows crafted by the renowned glass painter Antoine Lusson in 1858. These windows depict biblical figures from the New Testament, each with their symbolic attributes, adding a vibrant touch of color and history to the serene ambiance of the church.
The church houses several noteworthy artifacts, including the 17th-century sandstone baptismal fonts located in the first bay of the north aisle. These fonts, used for baptism by aspersion, are a significant piece of the church's liturgical history and were listed as an object of historical interest on October 20, 1975.
Another gem within the church is the 16th-century banc d’œuvre, originally reserved for the parish council members. This intricately carved wooden piece, now repurposed as an altar front, depicts the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, with Saint Peter cutting off Malchus's ear on one side and Jesus being presented to Pontius Pilate on the other.
The 19th-century chasublier, a storage unit for liturgical vestments, is another notable artifact, also listed as an object of historical interest in 1975.
Among the many stories the church walls could tell, one of the most poignant is that of the lost mural depicting the martyrdom of Saint Saturnin. Painted by Théobald Chartran in 1877, this mural once graced the entrance to the chancel, depicting God the Father and an angel bestowing the palm of martyrdom upon Saint Saturnin. Although this artwork disappeared during the church's restoration after 1926, its legacy remains a part of the church's rich tapestry.
Today, Église Saint-Saturnin de Champigny-sur-Marne stands as a living monument, a place where history, art, and faith converge. Its walls echo with the prayers and stories of generations, its windows bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors, and its artifacts tell tales of devotion and artistry. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual pilgrim, a visit to this remarkable church is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the soul of Champigny-sur-Marne and its enduring heritage.
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