Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Madeleine Chapel, located in Saint-Lô in the Manche department, is one of the rare remains of an ancient leprosy founded in the 14th century. This monument, marked by medieval history, was transformed in the 20th century to commemorate a key event of the Second World War. Its modest architecture and location east of the stud, near the Bayeux road, make it a historic and symbolic place.

Acquired by the city of Saint-Lô in 1988, the chapel was thoroughly restored until 1994, before being inaugurated in May 1995 as a memorial to the Liberation. It pays tribute to the soldiers of the 29th and 35th American infantry divisions, who played a decisive role in the liberation of the city in July 1944. Inside, photographs, commemorative plaques, paintings and flags recall this painful and heroic part of local history.

Ranked a historical monument by decree of September 3, 1974, the chapel also illustrates the evolution of its use over the centuries. First place of care and isolation for lepers in the Middle Ages, it has become a symbol of resilience and recognition towards allied liberators. Its management by the municipality and its openness to the public make it an accessible memory space, mixing architectural heritage and the duty to remember.

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