Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon

The Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon, known in French as Basilique Notre-Dame d'Alençon, is a breathtaking Gothic parish church nestled in the heart of Alençon, Orne, France. This architectural marvel, elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, stands as a testament to centuries of religious devotion, artistic achievement, and historical significance.

A Journey Through Time: The History of the Basilica

The site of the Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon has been a place of worship since the 12th century when a Romanesque church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin stood here. This earlier structure, likely featuring a wooden-roofed nave, was a priory church founded by and dependent upon the Abbey of Lonlay. Over time, it evolved into a parish church and underwent significant expansions.

Construction of the current Gothic structure began before the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). The nave saw the addition of aisles around 1470, and substantial work continued well into the early 16th century. Around the year 1500, under the guidance of master builder Jehan Lemoine, the church underwent a significant transformation. Lemoine introduced the elaborate Porch of the Transfiguration on the west side and adorned the nave with star-patterned vaults and richly decorated ribs, supported by two ranks of flying buttresses. Side chapels were also added between the buttresses' abutments during this period.

The resulting structure is a quintessential example of late-Medieval Norman Gothic architecture. However, it has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. The portal's decoration was defaced during the Wars of Religion (1562–1598), and in August 1744, lightning struck the wooden bell tower, causing a fire that destroyed the choir and transepts. The engineer Jean-Rodolphe Perronet rebuilt these parts between 1745 and 1762, adding the squat steeple at the crossing. The church also suffered looting and devastation during the French Revolution, but restoration efforts in the 19th century saved it from ruin.

The Martin Family Connection

The Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon holds a special place in the hearts of many due to its connection with the Martin family. Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, were married here on July 13, 1858. It was also within these hallowed walls that Thérèse received the sacrament of baptism on January 4, 1873. The baptismal gown used for the ceremony is displayed in the basilica as a relic for veneration, and a stained glass window in the baptistry commemorates the event. Zélie's funeral was held here after her death in 1877.

This sacred connection with the Martin family and its status as a pilgrimage site led to the church's designation as a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on August 10, 2009.

Architectural Splendor

The Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, drawing inspiration from other notable churches such as La Trinité de Falaise, Saint-Germain d'Argentan, and Saint-Maclou in Rouen. The church is constructed in the shape of a Latin cross, divided into three sections. The central nave, with its five bays, is supported by strong fasciculated columns with reduced capitals, indicative of early 15th-century construction. The aisles are covered by rib vaults, while the main nave features star-patterned tierceron vaults with ridge ribs and tufty foliage sprigs.

The supporting pillars of the nave are cylindrical, with attached sharp-edged fillet moldings. The arcade and bay divisions showcase both disappearing and continuous moldings, elements of Late Gothic articulation. The middle level of the nave's elevation is a blind triforium with a lower balustrade, and the broad clerestory windows are adorned with flamboyant tracery.

Off the nave, side aisles were added in the 15th century, and side chapels were introduced in the 16th century. The sanctuary, transepts, and choir are the result of an 18th-century rebuilding. The three-sided western porch, dating from the early 16th century, is particularly notable for its flamboyant Gothic style.

Stained Glass and Sacred Art

The basilica's stained glass program, dating from the Renaissance era, is a visual feast. The north side depicts Old Testament scenes, while the south side features scenes from the life of the Blessed Virgin. Although the glass has undergone many restorations, it remained unscathed during the violence of the Second World War. During the 19th-century restoration, stained glass windows for the chapels were created to match the historic windows of the nave. These windows, installed in 1884, were damaged by bombing in 1944 but were later replaced between 1986 and 1996 by stained glass created by Flandrin and Courageux.

The high altar, housed beneath an 18th-century baldachin with gloria, is another highlight. Above the altar, a monumental sculpture represents the Assumption of Mary, replacing a pietà destroyed during the Revolution. The northern chapel also features a baptismal font from the same era.

The Modern Touch

In 2016, a new pipe organ by Jean Daldosso was installed in the 1537 organ case, adding a modern touch to this historical gem. The organ's melodious notes now fill the basilica, enhancing the spiritual experience for all who visit.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon is not just a place of worship; it is a living monument to history, faith, and artistry. Its walls echo the stories of saints, architects, and countless faithful who have walked through its doors. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a pilgrim seeking spiritual solace, a visit to this basilica promises an unforgettable journey through time and faith.