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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Gustavia, located on the island of Saint Barthélemy, was built between 1822 and 1829 under Swedish occupation (1785-1877). Its architecture, unusual for the French Antilles, is inspired by Spanish churches, with a sober facade with unique vaulted opening and niches housing statues of saints. The building rests on a stone base of more than two metres, designed to withstand cyclones.

Gravely damaged by the cyclone of 2 August 1837, the church was repaired and reopened in 1842. Its interior, sober, features thick walls, a partially marble floor and a false wooden ceiling masking the frame. Two windows provide ventilation and lighting. The bell tower, built apart in 1884 after the French retrocession, dominates the city to warn in case of a storm and limit the risk of falling on the building.

The site also includes a funeral chapel dedicated to Sister Armelle (died 1947) and a rotunda for the Sacred Heart, honoring the local sailors. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1995, the church was restored in 2006 to its original appearance. Its parvis and its enclosure, protected, complement this emblematic ensemble of Gustavia.

The Swedish period (1785-1877) marked the history of Saint Barthélemy, influencing its architectural heritage. The church, a symbol of resilience to cyclones, also reflects the religious and community importance on this Caribbean island, where buildings had to adapt to climatic and geographic constraints.

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