Saint-Martin-le-Vieil
Saint -Martin- le- Vieil is a southern French village with 237 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Aude department in the Languedoc- Roussillon region.
Location
Saint -Martin- le- Vieil is located in the old cultural landscape of Lauragais on small river Lampy at an altitude of about 160 meters above sea level. inst and about 25 km ( driving distance ) north-west of Carcassonne. The distance to the southeastern canton capital Alzonne is just over six kilometers.
Demographics
In the 19th century it was always between 350 and 450 inhabitants. As a result of the phylloxera crisis and the mechanization of agriculture and the consequent loss of jobs, the population has declined significantly in the 20th century. In recent times, a slight population increase is observed, what with the compared to the nearby city of Carcassonne related comparatively low rents and land prices in the first place.
Economy
The surroundings of the town is still dominated by agriculture. Since the late Middle Ages was mainly in the villages of Lauragais woad ( pastel) cultivated, who was replaced by planted in the colonies indigo in the 18th century. In the late 20th century, tourism has been added in the form of apartment rentals ( gîtes ) as an economic factor.
History
On the history of the place in Gallo- Roman and medieval period is not known. The Cistercians founded in 1170 about two and a half kilometers north-east on the river Vernassonne the monastery Villelongue which was dissolved during the French Revolution and sold as a quarry.
Attractions
- A standing on a pedestal of stone cemetery cross in the 16th century was made in 1962 as a monument historique under protection.
- The parish church of the village is a simple building from the 15th century with a plain south tower, which is pierced by a delicate stone rose.
- From the stand alone in the forest solitude Cistercian abbey Villelongue the apse and some parts of the monastic buildings can be seen. The best preserved are the chapter house and the south wing of the cloister with its Doppelsäulchen that are adorned with finely crafted vegetable capitals. The former convent buildings are recognized as a monument historique since 1916.
Chapter House
Cloister
Capitals