Church of Saint-Martin
The Church of Saint-Martin is located in Soulières, in the Grand Est region. It has existed as early as the twelfth century but the building, in its current form, is more recent. The chevet and the transept date from the 16th century; the nave and its collaterals from the 17th century. The oldest part is covered with vaults on cross ogives. The flaming moldings of the arches are characteristic of the end of the Gothic period.
About this building
The Church of Saint-Martin is located in Soulières, in the Grand Est region. Located on the edge of the former territory of the Gallic tribe of "Catuvellauni" (Catalaunes), the village of Soulières seems to have been occupied since the early Neolithic age. The village is built on the southern slope of the foothills of Brie Champagne.
The church existed as early as the 12th century, but the building, in its present form, is more recent. It has been reconstructed twice: the chevet and transept in the sixteenth century, the nave and its collaterals in the seventeenth century. The oldest part is covered with vaults on cross ogives. The flaming moldings of the arches are characteristic of the end of the Gothic period while the capitals are built in the Renaissance style. The nave is unique in its kind in the Marne. Its large arcades rest on piles, of square sections, which are wider at the base than at the top, and crowned with very prominent moldings. This part of the building is lit by curious semi-circular bays that are pierced in the walls of the aisles.
In 1843-1844, an enterprising priest contracted the Oury brothers, cabinetmakers at Châlon-sur-Marne, to renew almost all of the liturgical furniture.
