The priory and Romanesque church are very old. The tower of the priory bears the coat of arms of the Abbey of Cluny: the two keys of Saint Peter and the sword of Saint Paul.
The church and cemetery were long used by Châteauvillain, which had no place to bury its own dead. We can therefore deduce that the presence of Marmesse predates that of Châteauvillain.
The building contains reused tombstones and the porch was probably remodelled in the 15th century. As for the façade, it probably underwent work in the 16th century, but the whole has retained a remarkable character.
The quality of the acoustics means that concerts can be given here, and the recent renovation means that the interior can be used as a cultural venue.
EGLISE SAINT-MARTIN DE MARMESSE
