>The Aître Saint-Maclou is an emblematic historical monument of the city of Rouen.
At the outset, it is important to emphasize that the word “aître” finds its origin in the Latin “atrium”, designating the interior courtyard of a Roman house. Over time, its meaning evolved to designate the courtyard of a church in the Middle Ages, which quickly transformed into a cemetery. Like many churches, the Saint-Maclou church had its own cemetery, the old Saint-Maclou aître, surrounded by large white facades in a flamboyant Gothic style. However, in the 14th century, this cemetery quickly filled up, reaching its maximum capacity due to the terrible epidemic of the Black Death in 1348. This epidemic decimated three-quarters of the population of the district, thus forcing the opening of a new cemetery: the great Saint-Maclou. During the 18th century, to compensate for the lack of space for burials, the tree-lined courtyard was surrounded by ossuary galleries. These galleries were decorated with a sculpted dance of death, and the half-timbered beams were decorated with bones, coffins and gravedigger's tools. This building was then used as an ossuary until the XNUMXth century, thus explaining all the decoration linked to death, such as bones, liturgical instruments, as well as elements associated with the gravedigger, such as coffins, picks and shovels.
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DjiiN FiizZ
2 months agoAître St Maclou, The history of this exceptional place dates back to the Great Black Death of 1348, which killed three-quarters of the neighborhood's inhabitants. This is why we had to open a new cemetery: the great saint Maclou. Three of the galleries surrounding the cemetery were built between 1526 and 1533 to serve as ossuary. Their decor is macabre: skulls, bones, gravedigger's tools, objects of worship in mortuary rites. In a display case, near the front door, a cat skeleton discovered in a wall has been placed. It was probably a black cat (the devil) locked alive in the masonry to ward off bad luck. The site is classified as a historic monument. Gallery of Fire Arts The Gallery of Fire Arts is an exhibition and demonstration center dedicated to working with earth, glass and metal. In the heart of the sumptuously restored Aître Saint-Maclou, covering almost 500 m², La Galerie des Arts du feu shakes up the codes of cultural visits by inviting you to live a unique sensory experience in France.
Audrey Gendre
9 months agoWe had a very nice tour of the Aître Saint-Maclou thanks to our guide (I don't remember his first name). Very dynamic, funny and knowledgeable. We recommend this place rich in history.
Gilles Prin
a month agoSuperb place for free workshops to discover absolutely if you go to Rouen
Grégory Bertheaume
5 months agoThis place was a truly beautiful discovery, despite the heavy rain! The Aître Saint-Maclou in Rouen is a remarkable historic site. It is an old cemetery courtyard surrounded by half-timbered galleries. This aître, dating from the 16th century, is known for its singular architecture and its unique atmosphere. Formerly used as an ossuary, it bears witness to the medieval history of the city. Today, the Aître Saint-Maclou houses artist studios and exhibitions. The preserved beauty of its half-timbered galleries makes it a place that is both picturesque and steeped in history. It is an interesting stop for history and architecture lovers when visiting Rouen.
Pierre Fol'Art
3 weeks agoMemorable historical place, it is possible to visit for free. I went to this place to show friends around. The wooden sculptures on the facades are still clearly visible despite the passage of time and the explanations on the desks are clear. Former place of worship, and school of fine arts until 2014, it is not to be missed during a visit to ROUEN!