Charging five euros for a visit to Notre Dame de Paris to help with its maintenance, such is Rachida Dati's proposal. We asked about an entry ticket to Sées, where a Gothic cathedral stands.
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In the Orne, in the heart of the town of Sées, sits an imposing 13th century cathedral. The monument attracts curious people every year who come to admire its Gothic architecture.
The idea developed by the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, of charging for entry to a remarkable religious building divides: “For us, if it's five euros, we won't go into the church, we'll just stay outside“replies this man categorically in the square.
On the contrary, this does not shock this lady for whom it would be understandable because “it is a large building whose maintenance is the responsibility of the municipality”.
“I think it's good that it remains a place open to prayer and discovery” explains a lady we met inside the monument.
For the head of the cathedral, the idea of an entry ticket is incompatible with the values of religion and would penalize the faithful. “People need space for contemplation, space for silence, space where they can simply sit, where no questions are asked.” estimates Father Olivier Prestavoine, Rector of Sées Cathedral, “Some will pray, others will not and it is this freedom which is also interesting.”
If the State finances the maintenance of all the cathedrals in France, the municipalities must take care of the churches and basilicas erected before the law separating the church from the State.
Despite this, charging entry would make no sense for the Sées town hall. “It’s not a museum.” argues Christophe Robieux, deputy mayor of Sées in charge of culture and heritage, “as proof, we have a museum of religious art next door. I would understand that in some cathedrals perhaps, we charge because it is more of a museum than a cathedral. It’s very complicated to do and I’m not sure we get as much benefit from it as that.”
In France, only the abbey of Mont Saint Michel charges entry to its visitors to this day.
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