Maternité suisse d'Elne, World War II maternity hospital and museum in Elne, France
The Maternité Suisse d'Elne is a former castle transformed into a maternity hospital that now operates as a museum. The building features a cross-shaped layout with four floors and receives natural light through a cupola and glass roof design.
The castle served as a maternity hospital between 1939 and 1944, delivering over 600 babies to mothers fleeing persecution. During these years it provided sanctuary to Spanish, Jewish, and Romani women escaping threats to their safety.
The hospital rooms were named after Spanish cities to remind refugee mothers of home during their stay. This thoughtful choice showed how the staff cared for the well-being of each woman in their care.
The museum is open to visitors most days of the week, with extended hours during warmer months and shorter hours in cooler seasons. Check the opening times before planning your visit to make sure you arrive when it is welcoming guests.
Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a Swiss nurse, ran the facility almost alone while putting herself in serious danger to save lives. Her unwavering determination allowed the hospital to operate through the darkest years of the war.
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