Aître Saint-Maclou: A Cemetery Reborn

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.