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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Saint-Louis infirmary was a building located in the city of Le Havre, in the Seine-Maritime region of Normandy. This building, whose history is partially erased, once housed a structure dedicated to the care or reception of the sick. Today, there is only one outstanding architectural element: a wrought iron ramp dating back to the 18th century, silent witness to its past.

The destruction of the building occurred on 5 September 1944, during the bombings that struck Le Havre during the Second World War. Only the wrought iron element, inscribed as historical monuments by order of 7 January 1928, escaped destruction. This ramp, now preserved, is the last tangible vestige of the Saint Louis infirmary.

In the 18th century, nurses played a central role in port cities such as Le Havre, where maritime activities exposed the population to epidemics and frequent injuries. These institutions, often run by religious congregations or local institutions, provided basic care and shelter for the poorest. The wrought iron ramp, by its style and invoice, reflects the craftsmanship of this time, while symbolizing the fragility of the heritage in the face of modern conflicts.

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