In Calvados, the renovation of this almost 800-year-old bell tower requires 2 million euros

See my news
Follow Liberté Caen

At 67 m high, the bell tower of the Notre-Dame de la Nativité church in Bernières-sur-Mer is renowned as one of the highest in Calvados. Not so far from that of the Saint-Pierre church in Caen with almost 80 m.

The Bernières church is also one of the oldest in the department, it dates from the 11th – 12th century, the bell tower was built around 1260. It is this part of the religious building which shows the greatest weight of age. and which requires renovation work as a priority.

Financing completed

“The bell tower is in a significant state of danger due to structural problems. The arrow is particularly damaged,” summarizes the Heritage Foundation, which, on Tuesday, November 12, announced an endowment of €50,000. With this new funding, the municipality completes its budget to launch the work. “We open the prize envelopes on Friday, November 15,” reveals Mayor Thomas Dupont-Federici. The next day, Saturday November 16, a public meeting will explain the upcoming project.

Four years of work

On the financial side, the municipality is counting on a total bill of around “two million euros excluding tax” for the repair of the bell tower. “In addition to the €50,000 endowment, we also have €50,000 in crowdfunding, also via the Heritage Foundation. The Ministry of Culture and the Calvados department provide 1.2 million. The municipality remains responsible for €700,000 to be spread over four years. »

Four years is also the duration of the project which should be launched “at the end of 2025”, announces Thomas Dupont-Federici. The work itself “will begin at the beginning of 2026”, the time to install a giant scaffolding, the cost of which is also impressive: “from €450,000 to €500,000. »

Information meeting on the restoration project of the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity, in the presence of the project manager on Saturday November 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the church.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.