Saint Nicholas Church (Église Saint-Nicolas)
About Saint Nicholas Church (Église Saint-Nicolas)
This late Gothic church dates back to the 13th century, founded by Bishop Hugues de Morville to replace a chapel demolished during Coutances Cathedral's construction. The building suffered damage during the Hundred Years' War, the French Wars of Religion in 1562, and D-Day bombardments in 1944, yet was rebuilt each time. Now deconsecrated and renamed Espace Saint-Nicolas since 2017, it serves as a cultural venue hosting exhibitions, concerts, and community events. The architecture deliberately imitates Coutances Cathedral with its choir surrounded by an ambulatory, axial chapel, and octagonal lantern tower built in 1701 that floods the interior with light. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1946, the church features modern stained glass windows installed during the 1996 restoration. Opening hours vary depending on events and exhibitions - contact the Coutances Tourism Office before visiting.
Interesting Facts
When the church was first built in 1238, local parishioners refused to receive sacraments in it, leading to a formal arbitration conflict in 1241. They had grown attached to their original chapel inside the cathedral and resisted the move to the new location.
The church was destroyed or severely damaged three times in its history: during the Hundred Years' War siege of 1354-1356, when it was burned during the French Wars of Religion in 1562, and during the D-Day bombardment of June 1944. Each time it was rebuilt, preserving the Gothic style despite centuries passing.
The most recent restoration after World War II damage took 18 years to complete (1978-1996). During this period, new contemporary stained glass windows were installed, replacing those destroyed in the 1944 bombing.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
3 Rue des Tournées Saint-Nicolas, 50200 Coutances, France
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