Collegiate St. Martin - Colmar

On the Place de la Cathedrale is the Collegiate Church Saint-Martin. This church was built on the site of a Kaolingian style church. The construction of the present church started in the middle of the thirteenth century and was completed about a hundred years later. In the sixteenth century, a large part of the church was destroyed by fire, after which the roofs and part of the tower had to be replaced. During this renovation work, the current lantern-shaped spire was placed on the tower. The church is built in the typical Gothic style of Alsace. The exterior of the church is notable for the large robust solid pillars that support the facade and the relatively small arches. The interior of the church was almost completely lost during the French Revolution. Only a few stained glass windows have survived. The beautifully decorated roof of the church is a sight in itself. The church is open to the public daily except during Mass and other services.

Willem Vandenameele