The most beautiful religious buildings Meurthe-Et-Moselle

Built on the right bank of the city, the church of Saint-Martin is one of the must-see places during a visit to Pont-à-Mousson. Built at the end of the 13th century, it was completed in the 15th century by the architect Jacquemin de Lenoncourt, who also worked on Toul Cathedral. The apse and the nave, in Gothic style, were consecrated in 1335, while the façade dates from the 15th century. Inside, one can admire an astonishing Tombstone (made at the beginning of the 15th century) composed of thirteen figures, as well as two beautiful recumbents.

The church was founded between 1490 and 1545 and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The choir and transept are in the flamboyant Gothic style, as are the star vaults (with 12 branches), while the first bays of the nave date from the 19th century. Built in 1749, the central portal and the first two floors of the bell tower are the work of the Lorraine architect Jean-Nicolas Jennesson, who designed the church of Saint-Sébastien in Nancy. The portal houses a baroque-style bell tower and a polychrome wooden Christ ascending Calvary (carrying his cross). This statue is attributed to Ligier Richier, one of the greatest Lorraine artists of the Renaissance.

Another remarkable 16th century work is a painted altarpiece commissioned by the Duchess of Lorraine, Philippe de Gueldre, from an Antwerp workshop. Finely crafted, all in gilding and precision, it includes religious scenes. Erected in 1900, the exterior tower houses statues of saints: Laurent, Guérin, Pierre Fourier and Saint Vincent de Paul. The church was badly damaged by the bombings of the Second World War, as shown by the disappearance of the stained glass windows by the artist Grüber of the Nancy School. Major interior and exterior restoration work was carried out between 2016 and 2019. The choir, stained glass windows and stonework were cleaned and new stained glass windows installed. The church is now brighter and undeniably worth a visit. Guided tours are available on request.