St. Martin's Church, Ahetze Explained

Building Name:St. Martin's Church, Ahetze
French: église Saint-Martin d'Ahetze
Basque: San Martin eliza (Ahetze)
Location:Ahetze, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Geo:43.4058°N -1.5714°W
Religious Affiliation:Roman Catholic Church
Rite:Roman
Province:Diocese of Bayonne, Lescar and Oloron
Status:Parish church
Functional Status:Active
Architecture:yes
Architecture Type:church
Groundbreaking:16th century

St. Martin's Church is a Roman Catholic parish church in Ahetze, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. It is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. It was registered as an official Historical Monument on June 5, 1973.[1]

Description

St. Martin Church is located at a crossing point of the Way of St. James. Its construction started in the 16th century. It contains an 18th-century wooden statue of St. James[2] in pilgrim clothing, an 18th-century statue of the Assumption of Mary,[3] an 18th-century altarpiece[4] and a 15th-century processional cross.[5] The arms of this cross are garnished with small bells. During a witch trial in 1609, this cross was considered as a diabolical object by Councillor Pierre de Lancre.[6]

The cemetery of the church features a . Another stele from Ahetze is exhibited at the .

External links

Notes and References

  1. , base Mérimée, Ministry of Culture (France)
  2. , base Palissy, Ministry of Culture (France)
  3. , base Palissy, Ministry of Culture
  4. , base Palissy, Ministry of Culture
  5. , base Palissy, Ministry of Culture
  6. Book: fr. Philippe. Veyrin. Philippe Veyrin. Olivier. Ribeton. Les Basques de Labourd, de Soule et de Basse Navarre : leur histoire et leurs traditions. Cairn. November 2012. monograph. Pau. 9782350682617. 826784280. 303.