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Aître Saint-Maclou: A Cemetery Reborn

Discover Rouen's Aître Saint-Maclou: A historic cemetery transformed into a vibrant center for culture, art, and remembrance.

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The Aître Saint-Maclou in Rouen is a unique historical site, a former charnel house dating back to the 14th century. Built in response to the Black Death, it's one of the few remaining examples of a gallery cemetery in Europe, featuring macabre decorations and a fascinating history. Today, it's a vibrant space hosting cultural activities and artisan workshops.

A brief summary to Aitre Saint Maclou

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-11 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Aître Saint-Maclou during the week to avoid weekend crowds and fully appreciate the serene atmosphere.
  • Take a guided tour to uncover the hidden stories and architectural details of this unique historical site.
  • Explore the artisan workshops within the Aître to discover local crafts and perhaps find a unique souvenir.
  • Don't miss the mummified cat, a quirky piece of the Aître's history, displayed for visitors to see.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Aître Saint-Maclou is located at 186 Rue Martainville in Rouen. From the Rouen Cathedral, walk northeast on Rue Saint-Romain, then turn right onto Rue de l'École. Continue onto Rue de la République, then turn left onto Rue Louis Ricard. Finally, turn right onto Rue Martainville. The Aître Saint-Maclou will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    The Rouen public transport network is called Astuce. From the Théâtre des Arts, take the Metro. Alternatively, several bus lines (T1, T2, T3) stop near the Aître Saint-Maclou, at the Cathédrale station. A single ticket costs €2 and is valid for one hour. From either stop, follow walking directions.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Rouen. A short taxi ride from the Rouen-Rive-Droite train station to Aître Saint-Maclou typically costs between €6 and €8. Taxi stands are located near the train station and other major points of interest. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also available. Be aware that prices may vary depending on demand.

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Discover more about Aitre Saint Maclou

The Aître Saint-Maclou is a historical landmark with a rich and unusual past. Dating back to 1348, when the Black Death decimated Rouen's population, this site began as a cemetery to accommodate the overwhelming number of deceased. The name 'aître' itself is derived from the old French word for cemetery, highlighting its original purpose. As the cemetery filled, the parish constructed ossuaries in the form of three-sided galleries to store the bones of the dead, making room for new burials. These galleries, built in the 16th century, are adorned with intricate sculpted stone columns depicting a danse macabre, a chilling reminder of mortality. The site stands as one of the few remaining examples of this type of ossuary in Europe. Over the centuries, the Aître Saint-Maclou has transformed from a place of death to a place of life and education. From 1661 to 2014, it served as a school for boys and girls, and later as Rouen's École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts). Today, following extensive restoration, the Aître Saint-Maclou is a cultural hub, hosting artisan workshops, exhibitions, and events in its courtyard. Visitors can explore the galleries, admire the architecture, and discover the history of this exceptional site. Keep an eye out for the mummified cat, a peculiar artifact found within its walls.

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