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Key figures

Origin and history

Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Morlancourt, located in the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region, finds its origins in the sixteenth century. Its bell tower, restored in 1824, witnessed an ancient architectural heritage before its total destruction during the German Spring Offensive in March 1918. This conflict deeply marked the region, destroying centuries of history in a few days.

The reconstruction of the building, carried out between 1928 and 1930, adopted a bold mix of neo-Gothic and art deco styles, reflecting the spirit of post-war renewal. Built of brick with cut stone elements, the church was designed according to a traditional basilical plan, including a two-sided nave and a three-sided bedside, but without transept. This project symbolized the resilience of local communities to the mass destruction suffered during the First World War.

The facades of the church are distinguished by three richly carved gates. The central tympanum depicts the Pantocrat Christ surrounded by angels, while those of the side gates illustrate the Charity of St.Martin and Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Christ. These works, combined with an interior decor including a Virgin of pity with poignant details (such as the sponge of vinegar strained with Christ) and colorful glass windows, highlight the artistic and spiritual dimension of reconstruction.

Inside, the altars and statues, including that of the Child Jesus of Prague, complete a coherent decorative ensemble, mixing religious tradition and stylistic modernity. The church thus embodies the memory of the ravages of war while celebrating the architectural and cultural revival of Picardia at the beginning of the twentieth century.

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