Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Notre-Dame d'Alençon Basilica, located in the pedestrian city centre of Alençon, is a Gothic building that began construction in 1356 under the impetus of Charles III d'Alençon during the Hundred Years War. The works lasted until the 19th century, combining elements of the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries. His choir, transepts and bell tower were rebuilt between 1745 and 1762 after a fire, with a lantern designed by architect Jean-Rodolphe Perronet. It was erected as a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on August 10, 2009.

The church is intimately linked to the family of Saint Thérèse de Lisieux. His parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, married there on 13 July 1858, and their daughter was baptized there on 4 January 1873. The Thérèse christening dress and a commemorative stained glass window are on display. Zélie Martin's funeral took place there in 1877. After their beatification in 2008 and canonization in 2015, the site became a major pilgrimage site.

The architecture of the basilica combines a flamboyant Gothic nave from the early 16th century with a triple portal attributed to Jean Lemoine. His great organs, installed in 2016 in a buffet of 1537, and his history linked to Blessed Marcel Denis (1919–1961), a missionary in Laos, reinforce his heritage and spiritual importance.

External links