Destruction of the old church juillet 1944 (≈ 1944)
Allied bombardments during Operation Bluecoat.
1962-1966
Construction of the current church
Construction of the current church 1962-1966 (≈ 1964)
Directed by Herman Baur, glass windows added in 1966.
8 juillet 2010
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 8 juillet 2010 (≈ 2010)
Total protection of the building and its bell tower.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The church, in total, including the sacristy and the bell tower-campanile (Box AB 16): inscription by order of 8 July 2010
Key figures
Herman Baur - Architect
Designer of the modern concrete church.
François Chapuis - Drafter
Author of integrated stained glass in 1966.
Origin and history
The church of the Nativity of Our Lady of Cahagnes, located in Calvados in Normandy, replaces a medieval building destroyed during the fighting of the Liberation in July 1944. The village, affected by Operation Bluecoat (Caumont Hole), was subjected to allied bombardments that razed a large part of its buildings, including the former 14th century church. Released on July 31, 1944 by the 43rd British Division, Cahagnes began its post-war reconstruction.
The new church was built between 1962 and 1966 according to the plans of the Swiss architect Herman Baur, known for his modern approach. The building is distinguished by a unified volume, abandoning the classical structure (nave, choir, sanctuary), and integrates in 1966 stained glass designed by François Chapuis. Its vibrated concrete bell tower and interior layout prefigure the diocesan churches of the 1970s-1980s.
Classified as a historic monument since 8 July 2010 (including the sacristy and bell tower-campanile), the church illustrates the post-Second World War reconstruction in Lower Normandy. Its architecture reflects a desire to break with the past, while meeting contemporary liturgical needs, such as the celebration in front of the assembly. Sources mention its role in the evolution of regional religious buildings, cited in studies such as Alain Nafilyan (2009).
