The Church of St Salomon in La Martyre is a remarkable Enclos Paroissial, situated in a small village near Landerneau. I spent time here in a previous year but each time I visit I see something different, or perhaps just differently.
The Triumphal Arch and the Calvary date from the 14C-15C. The Arch is raised, accessed by stairs, so that it could be used as a lookout post – this Church was on the borders of the County – or for open-air preaching, or just to keep an eye on the crowds during the Mediaeval Fairs.
The Ossuary was built by the Master of Plougastel who had also worked at Guimiliau. It has a curious figure on the side of the building, a kind of caryatid
The West Door looks very old to me, with an iconic cross and curious mask-like faces.
Inside the Church it is very peaceful and there are many things which hold one’s attention.
The wall paintings date from the 14C – I can’t make them out but I think they may represent nativity and crucifixion scenes with people in contemporary dress.
The sablières – the beams which join the walls to the ceilings – are a wonderful mix of sacred and profane and clearly made by local craftsmen.
And hidden at the back of the Church –
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