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Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, known as the church of Madeleine, is the principal place of Catholic worship in Mont-de-Marsan, the capital of the Landes. Built between 1823 and 1831 by architect Augustin Arthaud, it replaces a 12th century Priorial Chapel, destroyed after the collapse of a pillar in 1821. Its neo-classical style (triangular border, doric columns) harmonizes with neighbouring administrative buildings, erected after the creation of the department in 1790. Funded by local and royal donations (including those of Louis XVIII), it was consecrated in 1829 and classified as a Historic Monument in 1975.

The first chapel, dedicated to Marie-Madeleine, patron saint of the city, dates from the foundation of Mont-de-Marsan in the 12th century. Located on via Lemovicensis (path of Compostela), it symbolized the link with Vézelay, where the relics of the saint were venerated. The early church, facing east-west, was demolished after its partial collapse. The present building, reoriented north-south, incorporates elements saved from the old church: a marble high altar (1775, Mazzetti brothers), frescoes by Madame Grimard-Baudet, and a large organ transferred in 1792 from Saint-Jean de la Castelle Abbey.

The interior is distinguished by its arched nave, its lateral chapels added in the 19th century, and its decoration combining woodwork and marouflage paintings. Outside, two medallions pay tribute to the figures of the Landes: Saint Vincent de Paul (founder of the Lazarists) and Abbé Joseph Bordes (vicar deported under the occupation). On the esplanade, the statue La France (1923), by Antoine Bourdelle, commemorates the entry of the United States into the First World War.

The great organ, restored several times (notably in 1895 by Gaston Maille), comes from the abbey of Saint-Jean de la Castelle. Ranked among the romantic organs, it is managed by the association Les Amis de l'orgue de la Madeleine. The church, owned by the department, remains a symbol of the religious and architectural heritage of the Landes, linked to the history of pilgrimages and the urban reconstruction of the nineteenth century.

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