The aître of Brisgaret

The aître of Brisgaret

« Aître » from the Latin “atrium”, designated a cemetery in the Middle Ages. The aître of Brisgaret is a rare example in France of medieval cemetery which kept its original vocation. Its origin goes back to the 15th century, when the main cemetery of Montivilliers is moved on the heights of the city.

The main gallery was built at the beginning of the 16th century and used as an ossuary. The mass grave was regularly returned and recovered bones placed in the ossuary located under the roof of the gallery. Unlike the aitre St Maclou of Rouen built at the same time, the closter of the aitre of Brisgaret has never been completed.

Outstanding funeral decoration can be seen on this gallery: figurines of holy healers, representations of Arma Christi and macabre decorations.
At the end is the chapel Saint-Lazare dated 1602 sheltering a surprising altarpiece representing the raising of Lazarus.
The 16th century Gothic cross rises in the middle of the former mass grave in memory of the deceaseds.
The site restored in 2013 is classified as “Historic Monument” since 1886.

More informations aitre-de-brisgaret.blogspot.com

Horaires
Every day 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free admission

Se rendre à l’Aître de Brisgaret
Rue Aldric Crevel
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Gallery