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Historical site · Rouen, Normandia
Aître Saint-Maclou
Former 16th-century cemetery and ossuary, with a courtyard surrounded by wooden galleries carved with scenes of the danse macabre. One of the rare ensembles of this type remaining in Europe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Aître Saint-Maclou
The Aître Saint-Maclou is a former parish cemetery with an ossuary, one of the few of its kind that have survived in Europe. The word aître comes from the Latin atrium and referred to the cemetery beside the church entrance.
The cemetery originated with the Black Death of 1348. After a new epidemic in the 16th century, the parish built galleries around the courtyard with lofts to store the bones taken from the graves: the west, north and east wings were built between 1526 and 1533, and the south wing only in 1651.
The wooden beams and columns are carved with skulls, bones, gravedigger tools and figures of a danse macabre, a medieval theme showing Death taking people from all classes. The ensemble has been a historical monument since 1862.
Today the courtyard houses a furnace arts gallery (ceramics, glass and metal), a café and a pastry shop. A few metres away is the church of Saint-Maclou, from the 15th century, in flamboyant Gothic.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
During the day, when there is light to see the wood carvings. Check the opening times before you go; there are special programs on some dates, such as in late October.
How to get there
It is on rue de Martainville, about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, passing by the church of Saint-Maclou.
Tip
Notice the half-timbered houses on rue Martainville and rue Damiette, right next door: they are among the best preserved in the city.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aître Saint-Maclou
What is the Aître Saint-Maclou?
An old cemetery with an ossuary, built from 1526 after plague epidemics, with wooden galleries carved with macabre motifs.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access to the courtyard is usually free; guided tours and activities require tickets. Check before you go.
Is it far from the cathedral?
No, about a 5-minute walk, passing by the church of Saint-Maclou.