Enclos paroissial de La Martyre

The oldest enclosure in Leon! Access to the parish enclosure at La Martyre is via the triumphal gate, topped by a calvary with three crosses and a sentry walk: this was a lookout post to keep an eye on the crowds during the internationally renowned fairs until the 17th century; this fortified enclosure was also used as a meeting place for the soldiers of the Lord of La Roche-Maurice. You can also admire the two watchtower houses adjoining the parish enclosure! After a diversion to the shrine chapel and its Breton inscriptions carved into the stone, discover the church dedicated to Saint-Salomon, King of Brittany (874). The porch features a fine representation of the Ankou, the personification of death in Brittany. The tympanum is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with the famous Nativity with the Virgin lying down, once breast-feeding and then mutilated by a prudish priest! Altered several times over the centuries, the church is considered to be a compendium of Brittany's religious architectural history: the bell tower and polychrome sablières are among the highlights. Not forgetting the imposing Passion window, restored in 2009. This listed building is a pilgrimage through the centuries! The parish enclosure at La Martyre is undoubtedly the starting point for the tour of parish enclosures in the Élorn valley. In July and August, visit the parish enclosure with a volunteer guide from the SPREV. Out of summer, guided tours with the APEVE association by prior arrangement. Would you like to take your family on a self-guided tour of the churchyard? You can do so with the "Investigation at La Martyre" game booklet, available to download from our website or on sale for €1 at the Tourist Office. Available from the Tourist Office: "La Martyre", collection les enclos paroissiaux de la vallée de l'Elorn from the APEVE association - €2