Church of Notre-Dame of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Église Notre-Dame de Sainte-Marie-du-Mont)
About Church of Notre-Dame of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Église Notre-Dame de Sainte-Marie-du-Mont)
This 11th-century parish church combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, with construction spanning over 500 years. Its distinctive bell tower served as a crucial navigation landmark for American paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The tower clock remains stopped at 13:30, frozen at the moment shells struck during the battle. Inside, visitors can explore a 13th-century vaulted crypt with a painted fresco of the Virgin and Child, and admire unique 12th-century capitals featuring chimeras wearing Phrygian caps. The church was classified as a Historic Monument in 1840 and underwent major bell tower restoration in 2018. A D-Day museum stands opposite the church, displaying 101st Airborne Division artifacts.
Interesting Facts
The Germans used the bell tower as an observation post during WWII. On clear days, they could see all the way to the coast and monitor approaching Allied forces. This strategic advantage made the church a target, but also helped the Americans navigate after their chaotic night drops.
The village was liberated by the 501st Parachute Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, making Sainte-Marie-du-Mont one of the first towns freed by troops landing from Utah Beach, where 23,000 soldiers and 1,700 vehicles came ashore on June 6, 1944.
During WWII, German forces painted the tower in camouflage to hide it from Allied bombers. The paint was so durable that traces remained visible until the 1990s restoration, when conservators finally removed the last remnants of the wartime disguise.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
26 Place de l'Église, 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France