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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of Notre-Dame de Gratot is a Catholic building located in the commune of Gratot, in the department of Manche, Normandy. It is 80 metres southwest of the ruins of the castle of the Argouges, of which it was once the seigneurial chapel. This monument, marked by two distinct architectural periods, bears witness to a rich local history and preserved religious heritage.

The choir and bell tower, characteristic of the 15th century, contrast with the rest of the building, rebuilt in the 18th century. This stylistic duality reflects artistic evolution and liturgical needs throughout the centuries. The church and its cemetery were inscribed in historical monuments by decree of 18 August 1949, highlighting their heritage value.

The interior houses remarkable furniture, including baptismal fonts and 15th century statues, as well as funerary monuments of the lords of the 15th and 16th centuries. Among the classified works are a Virgin with the Medieval Child, a painting of Christ and the Virgin (17th century), and the Assumption (XVth century) of Regnault. Two statues of Saint Gerbold, one in limestone discovered in 2002 and the other in 20th century wood, as well as a bas-relief of the Crucifixion, complete this ensemble.

The church's location in the centre of the village reinforces its historical role as a place of worship and community gathering. Close to the remains of the castle of the Argouges, it illustrates the close links between seigneurial power and religious practice in medieval times. Today, this monument remains a tangible testimony of local history and Christian architecture in Normandy.

The protected elements, including the church and its cemetery, are the property of the municipality of Gratot. Their preservation makes it possible to perpetuate the memory of local noble families, such as d'Argouges, whose tombs and funeral monuments are always visible. This site, open to visitors, offers a journey through time through its art, architecture and history.

Available sources, such as Wikipedia, Monumentum and the Merimée base, confirm its status as a historical monument and its precise location at 82 Rue d'Argouges, 50200 Gratot. These references also document its Insee code (50219) and its attachment to the borough of Coutances, in the English Channel.

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