Collégiale Saint-Martin

Located within the castle walls, the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin, a former castral chapel, is a monument that is well worth your time. To find it, you have to go through the Gard gate of the castle of Picquigny, a pointed arch gate flanked by two small turrets. Follow the paved path for a few meters and now it's time for a change of scenery! Nestled at the bottom of the old farmyard, a soft and serene atmosphere will incite you to stroll around the Collegiate Church. Stop for a few moments in the shade of a tree to breathe in the sweet smell of the lime blossoms and contemplate the architecture of the Collegiate Church. Like the cathedral of Amiens, the collegiate church of Picquigny was built with limestone extracted from the quarries of La Chaussée-Tirancourt. Look up to the sky and admire the imposing flamboyant bell tower. In July and August, the members of the association "Les Amis de la collégiale", who work all year round to preserve the collegiate church, open the building to visitors. Inside, you will be struck by the luminosity of the 13th century nave illuminated by narrow pointed arch windows. To the right of the altar, before the chapel of Saint Sebastian, direct your gaze to the floor, where you will discover a slab engraved with the seal of the lords of Picquigny. Underneath is a crypt sealed in the 1970s where the bodies of Lord Charles d'Ailly and his wife Charlotte d'Ailly were discovered. In the chapel of Saint Sebastian, look up to discover the cross-arches so particular with the coat of arms of Picquigny and the coat of arms of the kings of France embellished with the rays of the sun. In this chapel, you will certainly not be insensitive to the atmosphere that emerges from it! A solemn atmosphere, caused by the black paint coating of the walls which was deposited there when a lord died. Don't leave without passing by the chapel of the Virgin, where you can discover the "treasure of the Collegiate Church", a remarkable set of seven baroque wooden statues, recently restored.