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Old Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours: Tower of Charlemagne

Date

Circa 1910

Creator

G. Massiot & cie
Part of: Architectural Lantern Slides of France
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries

In 1050 massive towers were added to the ends of the groin-vaulted transepts. This is the north tower of the transept. Its name comes from the tomb of Hildegard, the third wife of Charlemagne, buried beneath the tower. Restored in 1928.

The church, built at the site of the tomb of St Martin, Bishop of Tours, became the most famous pilgrimage sanctuary in France. Venerated during his lifetime, Martin was acclaimed a saint at his death in 397, his remains attracting thousands of pilgrims annually for over a millennium. Tension between the bourgeoisie of Tours and the canons erupted in 1122 and the church was set ablaze. Makeshift repairs accelerated deterioration until, by 1160, the building was in urgent need of restoration. This programme initiated the third phase of building. A miniature by Jean Fouquet depicts the Gothic church in 1450. The aisles rose from heights of ca. 9 m and 21 m to the 35.5 m-high nave, and three sets of windows lit the interior. The monumental choir buttresses spanned both ambulatories. The last picture of St Martin, a wash by Pinguet done in 1798, shows the nave in ruins. The so-called Tour de Charlemagne (Tower of Charlemagne) and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower) are the only remnants of the original building.

Images

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Metadata

Creator
G. Massiot & cie
Date
Circa 1910
Publisher
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Material Type
photographs
Conditions Governing Access
To view the physical lantern slide, please contact the Architecture Library to arrange an appointment

Metadata

Campus Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Link to Finding Aid
https://curate.nd.edu/show/9019s180r70
This digital collection may not include all items or all of the information available about the source collection. See the finding aid for more information.

Metadata

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Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.


Also from Architectural Lantern Slides of France

Verdun Cathedral: View of the towers

Verdun Cathedral: View of the towers

Château de Blois: Interior detail, chimney piece in chambers of Francis I

Château de Blois: Interior detail, chimney piece in chambers of Francis I

House of Tristan L'Hermite, Tours: View inside courtyard

House of Tristan L'Hermite, Tours: View inside courtyard

Palace of Versailles: Overall distant context view

Palace of Versailles: Overall distant context view

Saint Trophîme Cathedral: Capitals of the eastern gallery of the cloister

Saint Trophîme Cathedral: Capitals of the eastern gallery of the cloister

Collegiate Church of Saint Peter, Avignon: Overall view, of facade and bell tower

Collegiate Church of Saint Peter, Avignon: Overall view, of facade and bell tower

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