Ayas The Church of St. Martin of Tours

This history-laden building offers visitors a fascinating journey through time, from its medieval foundation to the significant transformations of the 19th century.
Architecture and Restoration Originally built in the Gothic style, the early church retained three naves supported by massive pillars.
However, in 1851, Pastor Dandrès undertook an ambitious renovation project that radically transformed the building: the pillars were replaced with monolithic columns made of local stone, the aisles were elevated, and the entire structure was enriched with new vaults, giving momentum and luminosity to the interior.
Baptistery and Pulpit The baptistery, carved in 1838, is a work of art depicting St. John the Baptist at the moment of Jesus’ baptism, enriched by the presence of the Holy Spirit and divine words.
The pulpit, made of fine walnut wood, is decorated with scenes from the Gospel, surmounted by a canopy designed to amplify the preacher’s voice.
The Bell Tower 49 meters high, the bell tower is one of Antagnod’s most emblematic structures.
Modified in 1856-57, it is crowned by a Byzantine-style dome and houses a concert of ten bells that, on feast days, play melodies that resonate throughout the Ayes Valley