A circular country house and architectural heritage
The village of Martres-Tolosane has the particularity of having a circular configuration. It holds many other architectural treasures as its keep, its ramparts, its entrances, its small medieval streets…
Earthenware
Discover the pottery know-how of Martres-Tolosane, the diversity of its five workshops : pottery Cabaré, Atelier Stéphanie Joffre, Faience Jodra, The Renaissance Artisanale, the Old Martens.
Each piece is unique. The art of earthenware has been part of Martres-Tolosane for almost three centuries without production being interrupted.
The Gallo Roman villa of Chiragan
This villa was occupied until the end of the Roman Empire. Its exceptional character is linked to the many marbles, including busts of Roman emperors, exhumed during excavations that have followed since its rediscovery.
According to some archaeologists, it was the most important villa in Europe.
The city, which has preserved, through the ages, its traditions, legends and heritage, has rolled in the Middle Ages around strong ramparts.
But its rich history goes back much further. In the Gallo-Roman era a huge villa stood on the edge of the Garonne at a place called Chiragan. The successive excavations of the site allowed the discovery of exceptional pieces now visible at the Saint-Raymond Museum of Toulouse.
This group of ancient sculptures makes Chiragan the most luxurious villa in Europe after that of Emperor Hadrian near Rome.
The mystery still remains around the owners of these places out of the ordinary. Angonia, a name which designated in the Middle Ages part of the territory of Martres-Tolosane, is perhaps one of their inheritance.
St. Vidian
Saint-Vidian is the patron saint of Martres-Tolosane.
Every year, on Trinity Sunday, the Martrais. E.s celebrate through a pageant a celebration in honor of their Patron Saint.
This festival perpetuates the memory of the martyrdom of Saint-Vidian, killed, says the legend, near the fountain that bears his name, during a great battle between Christians and Saracens.
The Grand Presbytery : Leading Contemporary Art Exhibitions - Free Admission !
Created at the initiative of the city of Martres-Tolosane, the Grand Presbytère opened its doors in 2015.
Located within the walls of the Martres country house, it is a heritage building par excellence : its architecture, the atmosphere it gives to see and visit… everything is remarkable for the part of emotion to preserve and pass.
The remarkable renovation of the facades, the enhancement of the half-timbering, the strong perspectives, the exhibition space bathed in light, the preservation of the garden aim at preserving the place of remembrance and memory.
But the Grand Presbytery adds innovation and creation !
Unsuspected and unsuspected two qualifiers that come to mind when discovering the garden of the Grand Presbytery. Secret, intimate, the old priest's garden is a natural setting harmonized by the man. Here art feeds on real life. Life is hens, tomatoes that grow under the sun…
The hydrangea beds, the boxwood, the centenarian palms that mingle with imported Mediterranean shrubs to create a decor that is both soothing and artistic. It is the secret, intimate and discreet atmosphere that reigns here. The tranquility of this place conducive to relaxation seduces.
An orangery, closed building, with large windows in which is housed during the bad season, the citrus planted in the bins and other plants frost-free, in perfect harmony with the rectory remains.
Bureau of Tourist Information and Heritage Interpretation Center Martrais Angonia
In the same building are a tourist reception on the ground floor and a museum on two floors.
The Angonia museum, which has a free entrance, presents a remarkable collection of antique earthenware as well as pieces of collections and collaborations produced during the Salon des Arts et du Feu.
A room is reserved for temporary exhibitions.