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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Madrery of Closebarde, located in the commune of Sainte-Colombe (Seine-et-Marne), is a historical monument whose remaining architectural remains attest to its past importance. This type of establishment, dedicated to the reception of lepers in the Middle Ages, reflects the charitable and health practices of the time, often under the responsibility of religious orders or local lords. The maladries, which were located away from the villages for health reasons, played a major social role in providing care and shelter to those who were excluded from society.

In Sainte-Colombe, the protected elements of Closebarde's maladry — two columns with their capitals and four vaulted spans — were inscribed by ministerial decree in 1942. This official protection underscores the heritage value of the remains, although their exact location remains approximate according to available sources. Madreries, like this one, were usually associated with agricultural land or seigneurial rights, thus participating in the local economy while fulfilling their charitable mission.

Their decline, often linked to the disappearance of leprosy in Europe, has led to their abandonment or reallocation over the centuries.

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