The Saint-Martin church of Varennes-sur-Morge, located in the heart of Limagne, a vast fertile plain dominated by the silhouette of the volcanoes of the Chaine des Puys, harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic art. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, probably replacing a first sanctuary by the chapter of Ennezat, it presents a stone architecture of a great sobriety, enhanced by its octagonal bell tower rebuilt around 1865. Until the Revolution, the parish priest was appointed by the chapter of Ennezat, and the church housed a community of godly priests and a brotherhood, testifying to his religious role in parish life.
This church is distinguished by a Romanesque bedside vaulted in cul-de-four, to which answers a Gothic nave vaulted in a broken cradle, accompanied by low-sides adopting the same structure. This balance between Romanesque heritage and Gothic elevation gives the whole a solid and slender silhouette. Inside, the walls preserve remarkable 14th century polychrome paintings: friezes, fake appliances, coloured bands and vegetal or geometric patterns cover the nave and choir. These decorations, characteristic of late Gothic, reflect the medieval will to color the liturgical space. The church has been included in the inventory of Historic Monuments since 2003, and work on sealing and repairing the choir is planned.
The church of Saint-Martin in Varennes-sur-Morge is part of the diocese of Clermont and is part of the parish of Saint-Michel in Black Limagne. It is used occasionally for mass, funeral, baptism or weddings. The Country of Art and History Riom Limagne and Volcans opens up to the visitor a horizon rich of encounters, knowledge, discoveries and explorations to continue.
