Église Saint-Martin de Pau

In the heart of the charming city of Pau, nestled within the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, stands the majestic Église Saint-Martin de Pau. This neo-Gothic marvel, known locally as église Saint-Martin de Pau, is not just a beacon of religious significance but also a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry and architectural prowess.

The First Église Saint-Martin

The origins of Église Saint-Martin de Pau date back to the late 15th century, when the first church was constructed between 1468 and 1472 under the orders of Gaston IV de Foix-Béarn. This initial structure was modest, yet it served as the sole parish church in Pau until 1803. Under the influence of the Albret family, the church was converted into a Protestant temple from 1563 to 1620. However, as Pau grew, the original church became too small for its burgeoning population.

By 1871, a decision was made to replace the old church with a new, grander sanctuary situated slightly to the east. The original church was demolished in 1885, but its bell tower, partially destroyed in 1794 and rebuilt in wood in 1805, was preserved and now stands as the tower of the Parliament of Navarre.

The New Sanctuary

The construction of the new Église Saint-Martin de Pau was not without its debates. It took fifteen years of discussions before the final site was chosen in 1860, on the grounds of the former Hôtel de Gontaut-Biron. The cornerstone was laid in 1863, and the construction began in earnest in 1864 under the guidance of architect Émile Boeswillwald. The church was finally inaugurated on December 21, 1871, though additional work continued into the late 19th century.

Architectural Splendor

The Église Saint-Martin de Pau is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture with Byzantine influences. The church is constructed from Arudy stone and lighter Angoulême stone, creating a striking contrast that enhances its intricate details. The structure comprises a central nave flanked by two side naves, a transept, a choir, and four additional apses. The church's dimensions are impressive, measuring 70.5 meters in length, 36.2 meters in width, and boasting a bell tower that reaches 77 meters high.

Interior Highlights

Stepping inside the Église Saint-Martin de Pau, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking interior adorned with murals and stained glass windows. The church houses a Werner organ and a carillon, adding to its auditory splendor. One of the highlights is a painting by Eugène Devéria, along with precious objects donated by Queen Isabella II of Spain during her stay in Pau in 1868.

The master altar, designed by architect Émile Boeswillwald and crafted by the marble worker Géruzet of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, is protected by a Byzantine-style ciborium. This ciborium features a dome supported by four white marble columns, executed locally in Pau.

Artistic Decorations

The church's neo-Gothic style is complemented by Byzantine-influenced paintings by artists Hippolyte Flandrin, Auguste Steinheil, and Adolphe Steinheil. Notable artworks include the tympanum painting of Christ blessing Saint Martin and Saint Leon, the choir murals, and the murals in the chapels of the Virgin and the Sacred Heart. The tetramorph sculpture by Geoffroy-Dechaume and the marble marquetry of the choir floor are also noteworthy.

Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows of Église Saint-Martin de Pau are a sight to behold. Designed by Auguste Steinheil and executed by the glass painter Édouard Didron, these windows were inspired by 13th-century glass painters. One of the rose windows in the transept is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, depicting 24 scenes from his life, while the other is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In 1919, Joseph Mauméjean donated two windows for the chapels of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes and the baptismal fonts, illustrating the themes of the Virgin's education and Christ's baptism. After a storm damaged the windows in 1929, they were meticulously restored by Joseph Mauméjean and completed by Pierre Arcencam in 1934.

The Grand Organ

The grand organ of Église Saint-Martin de Pau, created by Georges Wenner, features 54 stops, three manuals, and a pedalboard. It was inaugurated on December 21, 1871, by the organist Léandre Czerniewski. Over the years, the organ has undergone several restorations, including work by Michel Roger in 1889, Maurice Puget in 1942, Edmond Costa de Lodève in 1968, and Bernard Dargassie in 1997, who added a second electric console.

In 2015, the Église Saint-Martin de Pau was officially listed as a historic monument, and in 2021, it was classified, further cementing its status as a cultural and architectural treasure. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Église Saint-Martin de Pau is sure to be an enriching and memorable experience.