Saint Martin steps in Blois, France

In the 13^th century, a small parish church, called Saint Martin’s, was built as a lean to onto the castle, the Château de Blois, surrounded by the church’s graveyard. The church was rebuilt in the early 16^th century, but it was demolished during the French Revolution (between 1789-1799).

The church was replaced in 1807, and built next to a large flight of steps leading from the town centre to the Château de Blois.

The long staircase originally had several landings and ran diagonally across the forecourt from the ramparts to the castle. In 1860, the steps were reduced to its current size, with one landing in the centre.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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