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Origin and history

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Havre, originally a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, finds its origins in a local Marian cult dating back to the 11th century. The village of Leure, now extinct, housed a chapel mentioned in 1311, which gave its name to the future port and the city of Le Havre-de-Grâce, founded in 1517 by François I. This early chapel, destroyed by coastal erosion and conflicts, was replaced by a series of modest buildings before the construction of the present cathedral.

The construction of the current building began in 1575 under the impetus of Governor Sarlabos, after the destruction caused by the Wars of Religion. The works, financed by the donations of the bourgeois, governors and kings of France, were carried out over several decades. The church, conceived in a mix of flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance and classical styles, became a symbol of Catholic resilience to the Huguenots. In 1562, it was looted and partially destroyed during the Protestant revolt, then restored after the takeover of the city by royal troops in 1563.

In the 17th century, the building was completed under the direction of several master masons, including Nicolas Duchemin and Lucas Guéronnel. Despite the British bombardments of 1694 and 1759, which damaged certain parts, the cathedral was preserved and embellished, thanks in particular to a perpetual rent granted by Henry IV in 1603. In 1944, it suffered heavy damage during the Allied bombings, destroying much of the nave. Saved from the demolition by Auguste Perret, it was included in its plan for the reconstruction of the city centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

The cathedral was elevated to the rank of cathedral in 1974, with the creation of the diocese of Le Havre. Since then, it has undergone numerous restorations, although its condition remains precarious due to problems of financing and erosion of the stones due to the marine climate. Today, it houses remarkable heritage elements, such as the 16th century stained glass windows, the organs offered by Richelieu, and chapels dedicated to local saints. Its architecture, marked by Gothic, Renaissance and classical influences, makes it a unique testimony to the religious and urban history of Le Havre.

The current stained glass windows, mainly made by Michel Durand in 1974, replace those destroyed during the Second World War. Only two 16th century stained glass windows, representing local historical scenes, were saved. The interior of the cathedral, with a basilical plane, features a double elevation nave, side chapels and a choir decorated with gilded panels. Despite the destruction, some original elements, such as the organ buffet and statues, have been restored or reconstituted.

Notre-Dame du Havre Cathedral remains an active place of worship, also hosting concerts and cultural events. Its history, marked by religious conflicts, reconstructions and restorations, reflects that of the city itself, between destruction and rebirth. Classified as a historic monument since 1919, it embodies both the Norman architectural heritage and the collective memory of the Havarais.

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