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 city developed around a monastery in particular: that of the Saint-Bertin abbey built below Mount Sithiu (site of Saint-Omer). At the top of the mountain, a chapel dedicated to the virgin will quickly be transformed into a church, which will become a cathedral in the 16th century.^th 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 14th and 1127th centuries, particularly thanks to the textile industry. The town was one of the first in the West to benefit from communal institutions, receiving a communal charter on 12 April XNUMX. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, Saint-Omer came under the control of the newly created County of Artois. This industry was supported by the route opened to the sea in the XNUMXth century.^th century with the digging of the Aa canal. At that time, St-Omer became an important commercial 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 marshes from the 18th century. But it was not until the end of the XNUMXth century that^th and at 19^th century that market gardening experienced a certain boom. The reasons: abundant water, fertile land and the arrival of the train. Today, the Audomarois marsh is famous for its agricultural production and its unique natural heritage, listed in the UNESCO network of biosphere reserves.

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.^th and 12^th 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 displays a primitive, radiant and flamboyant Gothic style. Built over 3 centuries, it brings together all the trends of Gothic art! Built between the 1879th and 1558th centuries, this former collegiate church was elevated to the rank of cathedral in the 1716th century, then to a minor basilica in XNUMX. It preserves treasures such as an astronomical clock from XNUMX, a painting by Rubens (the Descent from the Cross), a superb organ case and a unique labyrinth dating from XNUMX.

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, today only impressive remains of Saint-Bertin Abbey.

3. St. Denis Church

Saint-Denis Church has a Gothic style (1088th century) with medieval and baroque elements. Consecrated in XNUMX, it was the church of the great families and trade guilds. Its appearance has evolved over time. The Gothic tower is one of the oldest in the region. Recent work aims to restore this building, which is listed as a historic 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 in the late 19th century^th 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^th 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, Rayonnant and Flamboyant Gothic styles. Built between the 1558th and XNUMXth centuries, it houses treasures such as an astronomical clock from XNUMX, a monumental organ case and a painting by Rubens.

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

Other Gothic churches, such as the St-Denis church and the Saint-Sépulcre church.

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

More recent churches in neo-Gothic style: These 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

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

Fortified works signed 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, housed in a French-style private mansion from the 18th century^th century. Discover here our article dedicated to the museum.

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

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

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.

Please note 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 historic buildings within the city walls. This label guarantees the preservation and enhancement of 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 discover our full article on the discovery of 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 rewards the initiatives taken by the municipality in favor of 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 developments carried out, the consultation carried out on the subject and the involvement of associations.

City and Country of art and history: This national label is awarded to territories that are committed to promoting their built and landscape heritage. It highlights an active approach to knowledge, conservation and promotion of architectural quality and the living environment. The city of Saint-Omer had already held the “City of Art and History” label since 1997, and in 2014, 32 municipalities in the Pays de Saint-Omer also obtained the “Pays d'art et d'histoire” label.

Tourism Quality Mark™: The Saint-Omer Tourist Office has been involved in the Tourism Quality™ Approach since 2016. This state label is awarded to tourism professionals for the quality of their welcome and their 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.

Towns and Villages in Bloom: Saint-Omer has won the 2021 Citizen Participation “City” Award. In addition, Saint-Omer has won “2 Flowers”. The city also encourages its residents to beautify their facades with floral plants.