Church of Saints Côme and Damien (Église Saint-Côme-et-Saint-Damien)
About Church of Saints Côme and Damien (Église Saint-Côme-et-Saint-Damien)
This 12th-century Romanesque church served as the only Cluniac priory in the Cotentin peninsula, founded as a stopover for monks traveling to England after 1066. The original structure includes the nave, apse, and western facade, with Gothic additions from the 13th and 15th centuries including chapels and side aisles. Severely damaged during D-Day fighting in June 1944, the bell tower was destroyed and rebuilt in 1950. The church holds memorial plaques honoring 101st Airborne paratroopers including Sergeant Joseph Beyrle and Lieutenant Robert Judels who fought to liberate the village. Inside, visitors can see 14th-century baptismal fonts sketched by Victor Hugo in 1836 and a unique liturgical vestment made from a WWII parachute. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1946, the church stands at the heart of the D-Day battlefield near Utah Beach. Free entry during daylight hours.
Interesting Facts
The village became known as "Dead Man's Corner" during the D-Day battles. The name came from a destroyed American tank at a nearby road junction with its commander still visible in the turret for several days after the fighting.
The priory served a strategic purpose after the Norman Conquest of 1066 - it was the last stop for Cluniac monks crossing from France to inspect their newly acquired English monasteries and properties.
A 12th-century bas-relief inside depicts "Le Renard et la Cigogne" (The Fox and the Stork), one of Aesop's fables - a rare example of secular medieval art in a religious building, now classified as a protected historic object.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Bourg de Saint-Côme-du-Mont, 50500 Carentan-les-Marais, France
Day Routes
Explore all day routesThese carefully curated day itineraries include this attraction and show you exactly how to plan your visit, including transport, timing, and what else to see nearby.
Want to visit this attraction? These routes show you how to get here and what to combine it with.
Multi-day Itineraries
View complete itinerariesPlanning a longer trip? These multi-day itineraries incorporate this attraction into complete travel experiences with accommodation, transport, and daily schedules.
This attraction is featured in comprehensive multi-day trips with full logistics included.
