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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Sainte-Marguerite church of Ducy-Sainte-Marguerite, located in the Calvados department in Normandy, is a Catholic building whose northern lateral tower, originally Romanesque, was enhanced and surmounted by a Gothic arrow in the 13th century. Arcisse de Caumont emphasizes in his writings the remarkable elegance of this arrow, considered one of the most daring in the department. The choir dates from the 15th century, thus illustrating the architectural evolutions of the building throughout the centuries.

The church bell tower was classified as historical monuments on 14 June 1909, while the rest of the building was inscribed on 12 April 1927. Inside, several furniture elements are protected, including a Virgin of Mercy attributed to Luis Morales, classified in 1934 but stolen in 1976 before being found and preserved at the Museum of Fine Arts in Caen. A photographic copy of this painting is now on display in the church, alongside a 17th-century pulpit, classified since 1907.

The church also houses the burials of Charles de Cingal, lord of Ducy, who died in 1636, and his father Girard. A funeral belt decorated with their coat of arms attested to their right of patronage, which Charles defended before the parliament of Rouen in 1611. Among the other remarkable elements, five paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including The Dormition of the Virgin and a missing copy of Murillo, have been recorded since 1977. The church gate is surmounted by a sculpture depicting a couple tied under a lion, adding a mysterious touch to this building full of history.

The church is managed by the municipality of Ducy-Sainte-Marguerite, and its official address, according to the Mérimée base, is 9 Rue de l'Église. Although some elements have been moved, such as the Morales painting, the building maintains a rich collection of classified objects, reflecting its heritage and religious importance in the region.

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