FAQ – History, heritage and monuments of Saint-Omer

Saint-Omer is a French town with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Around 600, King Dagobert I appointed Audomar (Saint Omer) as Bishop of Thérouanne to evangelize the region. Audomar settled in Sithiu (the former name of Saint-Omer) and built a church dedicated to the Virgin, which later became the Cathedral of Our Lady of Saint-Omer.

City development

The town developed around a monastery: the Abbey of Saint-Bertin, built below Mount Sithiu (the site of Saint-Omer). At the top of the mountain, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary quickly became a church, which in turn became a cathedral in the 16th ^century.

Let us return to the beginning of the Middle Ages: a market was established in 874 by Charles the Bald, contributing to the economic growth of the city. Around 890, the Count of Flanders Baldwin II fortified the city and built a castle mound to protect it from Norman incursions.

Economic growth and institutions

Saint-Omer experienced a period of prosperity in the 12th and 13th centuries, particularly thanks to its textile industry. The town was one of the first in the West to benefit from communal institutions, receiving a town charter on April 14, 1127. At the beginning of the 13th century, Saint-Omer came under the control of the newly created County of Artois. This industry was further supported by the access route to the sea opened in the 12th ^century with the digging of the Aa Canal. At that time, Saint-Omer indeed became an important trading port!

Burgundian and French period

In 1384, Saint-Omer returned to the Dukes of Burgundy. The city experienced difficulties during the Hundred Years' War, suffering sieges and epidemics (notably the bubonic plague or Black Death) which reduced its population. Despite these trials, Saint-Omer remained an important artistic and cultural center between Flanders and Artois.

The capture of Saint-Omer by Louis XIV

Saint-Omer, under Spanish sovereignty until the 1677th century, was taken by the troops of Louis XIV in 25 as part of the Dutch War. The siege, led by the Duke of Orléans with 000 men, ended after a month and a half of fighting. The French victory was consolidated by the Battle of Cassel against William of Orange. After the capitulation on April 22, 1677, Louis XIV made a triumphant entry into the city, marking its integration into the Kingdom of France. As an anecdote, he disembarked on horseback within the cathedral!

The industrial boom

From the 1848th century, Saint-Omer experienced a marked industrialization. The city was transformed with the construction of infrastructures such as boulevards on the old fortifications and the arrival of the railway (in XNUMX). The glass industry became an economic pillar thanks to companies such as Arc International. In addition, activities such as brewing and hat making also prospered. Even today, industry represents a significant share of local employment.

The development of market gardening

Market gardening in Saint-Omer dates back to the Middle Ages, with the development of the marshes beginning in the 12th century. However, it wasn't until the late 18th ^and 19th ^centuries that market gardening experienced significant growth. The reasons for this were abundant water, fertile land, and the arrival of the railway. Today, the Audomarois marshland is renowned for its agricultural production and its unique natural heritage, which is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Today, Saint-Omer preserves many vestiges of its rich past, notably its cathedral, the ruins of the Saint-Bertin abbey and the Jesuit chapel, testifying to its exceptional history.

The origin of the name Saint-Omer and the term Audomarois are closely linked to the history of the town and its founder.

The name Saint-Omer comes from Audomar (also called Audomarus, Odemaars or Omer), a monk from Luxeuil who became Bishop of Thérouanne in 637. Audomar played a crucial role in the evangelization of the region in the XNUMXth century, under the reign of King Dagobert I.

Initially, the locality was known as Sithiu (or Sitdiu, Sithieu, meaning "the place" or "the location"), which referred to the mountain on which the city developed. This name appears in the writings of chroniclers in the 7th century. Over time, the name of the city evolved:

• In the 10th century, the place began to take the name of Saint-Omer.
• In 1042, we find the mention “Villa Sancti Audomari”.
• The current name of Saint-Omer gradually became established, with various spelling variations over the centuries. Some sources attest that Saint-Omer actually became Saint Omer under the impetus of the merchant guilds in the 11th century.^rd and 12th^rd century.

As for the term "Audomarois", it derives directly from the Latin name Audomar (Audomarus). It refers to both the inhabitants of Saint-Omer and those of the surrounding marsh, known as the Audomarois marsh. This name has been established since the 12th century, when Sithiu definitively became Saint-Omer.

Interestingly, during the French Revolution the town was briefly called "Morin-la-Montagne", the latter referring to the Gallic Morin people who once occupied the area.

Saint-Omer is home to a rich religious heritage, with several buildings of historical and architectural interest. Here are the main ones:

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saint-Omer

The cathedral or basilica of Saint-Omer boasts an early Gothic style, radiating and flamboyant. Built over three centuries, it truly embodies all the currents of Gothic art! Constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries, this former collegiate church was elevated to the rank of cathedral in the 14th century, then to minor basilica in 1879. It houses treasures such as an astronomical clock from 1558, a painting by Rubens (the Descent from the Cross), a superb organ case, and a unique labyrinth dating from 1716.

2. Ruins of the Saint-Bertin abbey

Founded in the 7th century by Audomar and his companions, this Benedictine abbey was one of the major religious and intellectual centers of the Middle Ages. Destroyed during the French Revolution, only impressive ruins of Saint-Bertin Abbey remain today.

3. St. Denis Church

The Church of Saint-Denis boasts a Gothic style (13th century) with medieval and Baroque elements. Consecrated in 1088, it was the church of prominent families and guilds. Its appearance has evolved over time. The Gothic tower is one of the oldest in the region. Recent work aims to restore this listed historical monument.

4. Church of the Immaculate Conception

Located in the market garden suburbs, this neo-Gothic church dating from 1859 was seriously damaged by a fire in September 2024. It is distinguished by its luminous stained glass windows and its sculpted furniture.

5. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel (former Saint-Jean hospital)

Built to replace an older chapel at the end of the 19th ^century , it was part of the hospital rebuilt in the 18th century. It bears witness to the local hospital and religious history.

6. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This 7th century Gothic hall church is currently closed to the public for security reasons. It nevertheless retains great architectural interest. It is one of the XNUMX churches in France dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre because of its origins, linked to the Order of the Temple and the Crusades.

7. The Jesuit Chapel

The Jesuit chapel is an impressive Baroque church dating from the 17th ^century . Since deconsecrated, it regularly hosts cultural events in Saint-Omer, such as exhibitions and concerts.

Saint-Omer is a city rich in architectural heritage, characterized by a great diversity of styles and historical monuments that reflect its history and evolution. Here are the main distinctive features of its architecture:

1. Remarkable religious architecture

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saint-Omer: A Gothic masterpiece, it combines the early Gothic, Rayonnant, and Flamboyant styles. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it houses treasures such as an astronomical clock from 1558, a monumental organ case, and a painting by Rubens.

Remains of Saint-Bertin Abbey: A former Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century, now in ruins, but still emblematic of the Audomarois landscape. The remains of its abbey church reveal a Gothic style.

Other Gothic churches , such as the Church of St. Denis and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Jesuit Chapel: An example of Baroque architecture, it testifies to the presence of the Jesuits in the city in the 17th and 18th ^centuries.

More recent churches in the neo-Gothic style include the Immaculate Conception church in the Haut-Pont suburb and the Saint-Jean chapel, somewhat hidden in the heart of the city centre.

2. Defensive heritage

Motte castrale: Remains of the medieval castle of Saint-Omer, which also once housed a prison.

Fortified works designed by Vauban: The ramparts and fortifications bear witness to the strategic role of Saint-Omer throughout the centuries.

3. Civil architecture

Alexandre Ribot private mansion: Transformed into a Heritage House, it illustrates the elegance of 19th century bourgeois residences.

Neoclassical station: An example of functional and elegant architecture championed by Alexandre Ribot at the end of the 19th century.

The Sandelin Museum is housed in an ^18th- century French-style mansion . Discover our article dedicated to the museum here.

The Cathedral Palace: a beautiful residence located within the Notre-Dame enclosure.

The Italian-style theatre: the former town hall housing the Venetian theatre of Saint-Omer displays a neo-classical style. Its shape has earned it the nickname " Coffee Mill ".

Saint-Omer is also characterized by its cobbled streets, its network of medieval alleys and streets, its yellow brick and red brick facades, mixing French and Flemish styles.

It should be noted that the historic center of Saint-Omer has been classified as a Remarkable Heritage Site since 2016. This area covers 112 hectares, including the Public Garden , and protects the historic buildings within the city walls. This designation guarantees the preservation and enhancement of the historic buildings and their urban environment.

Saint-Omer is therefore a veritable open-air museum where religious monuments, defensive remains and elegant civil constructions coexist harmoniously, bearing witness to its rich historical past.

Also check out our full article on discovering the heritage of Saint-Omer.

Saint-Omer has several labels which demonstrate its commitment in various areas:

Tour de France Cycling City (Level 3): This label recognizes the initiatives undertaken by the municipality to promote cycling, whether for leisure, competition, or as a means of daily transport. Saint-Omer obtained this label thanks to the implementation of an active mobility plan, the infrastructure improvements made, the public consultation conducted on the subject, and the involvement of local associations.

Town and Country of Art and History: This national label is awarded to areas committed to promoting their built and natural heritage. It highlights an active approach to understanding, preserving, and enhancing architectural quality and the quality of life. The town of Saint-Omer had already held the "Town of Art and History" label since 1997, and in 2014, 32 municipalities in the Saint-Omer region also received the "Country of Art and History" label.

Quality Tourism™ Brand : The Saint-Omer Country Tourist Office has been committed to the Quality Tourism™ approach since 2016. This state brand is awarded to tourism professionals for the quality of their welcome and services.

Remarkable Heritage Site (SPR) : Saint-Omer has been recognized as a "Remarkable Heritage Site" since June 28, 2016. This status aims to protect and enhance the architectural, urban and landscape heritage of the city.

Child Friendly City: The city has renewed its partnership with UNICEF and its "Child Friendly City" label.

Flowered Towns and Villages: Saint-Omer has been awarded the 2021 "City" Prize for Citizen Participation. In addition, Saint-Omer has been awarded "2 Flowers". The town also encourages its residents to beautify their facades with flowering plants.