Church of Notre-Dame, Saint-Lô, France

The Church of Notre-Dame de Saint-Lô is a monument of Flamboyant Gothic style erected on four centuries from the end of the 13th century to replace the former castle's chapel. It is located in the Enclos surrounded by ramparts and was listed on the register of historic monuments in 1840. The outdoor pulpit was noted and drawn by Victor Hugo, which he called 'unique' in a letter to Adèle Foucher. He protected it from demolition, which was planned prior to town renovation in 1863.

The building suffered heavy destruction during World War II, although it was among the only standing buildings after the 1944 bombings. If the stained-glass windows were saved, after being always present since temporary removal during the war, the nave was gutted following the collapse of the North Tower which was shelled by German artillery. Its roof and façade were destroyed, as well as the top of the other tower. Instead of rebuilding the church identically, the architect of Historic Monuments decided to build a greenschist frontage to highlight the scar left by the war. The statue of Notre-Dame du Pilier is from 1467; having been destroyed and remade several times, it is now housed on a column in the apse chapel.

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User Reviews

Willie Robertson (2 years ago)
Considering how damaged this cathedral was in 1944, the way it has been rebuilt is amazing.

Peter Cook (2 years ago)
Amazing living church - community now and very graphic history. If you've played Call of Duty, it is like walking into the game - but this was (and is) for real! The church, tastefully, carries the scars of the massive conflict it faced, but it is definitely a living community today that wants to get on with living is life. The stained glass is wonderful, and the Thomas Beckett Chapel reminds one of just how interlinked the European church used to be. Good, simple explanation of its story. Well worth a visit.

David (2 years ago)
Lovely ambience. Well worth going inside to really appreciate the serenity and architecture.

Eric Auchard (2 years ago)
Beautiful stain glass windows after reconstruction of church following WW II

Donna McC (3 years ago)
Churches in France are a free place to experience some coolness, nice stain glass windows and large canvasses of art.

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Church of Notre-Dame

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