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An Episcopal charter indicates that a small church already existed prior to 1121 in Sint-Martens-Latem. From the original Romanesque shape one supposes that this small old church was built with stone from Tournai As the church is located on the banks of the Lys, the limestone from Tournai could be easily brought in along the Schelde and the Lys.

In 1771 the church was changed fundamentally. It was lengthened by a half and the transepts and the arch over the nave/transept crossing were enlarged. The rickety tower, which threatened to collapse, was demolished and replaced by the present tower. The last significant transformation took place in the 19th century and gave the church its current appearance: a Neo-Gothic hall with three equally high naves. The ancient building has been preserved in the choir and the transept. The tombs of the painter Albijn Van den Abeele (1835-1918) and the sculptor baron George Minne (1866-1941) can be found in the graveyard.

Inside one is struck by the 15th century woodcarvings of the high altar. They depict the Visitation of Mary and her cousin Elisabeth.

The pulpit and the confessional are the 18th century Rococo works of Jacobus Martens from Ghent but contemporary art is also present : the stained-glass windows are by Harold van de Perre and the painting ‘Mary giving the rosary to Saint Dominic’ (1900), above the side altar, is by the Latem painter Gustave Van de Woestijne. The charcoal pen drawing ‘Ecce Homo’, in the side chapel, is by Latem painter Albert Servaes.

Since 2005, the European 'Route Saint-Martin de Tours' has been a cultural route recognised by the Council of Europe. This Saint-Martin church is part of the route that leads from Utrecht through Flanders to Tours.

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