Church of Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux

Church in Caen

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Prianna Ahsan

The Church of Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux, located in the heart of Caen, Normandy, is a historic and partially ruined structure that offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Built in the 10th century and first mentioned in charters granted by William the Conqueror around 1067, the church was originally known as “Sanctus Stephanus Vetus” to distinguish it from the nearby Abbaye aux Hommes. Its exposed position along the city ramparts made it vulnerable during conflicts, and it suffered significant damage during the Hundred Years’ War, particularly during the Siege of Caen in 1417. The church was reconstructed during and after the English occupation, with its octagonal lantern tower dating from this period.

Decommissioned in 1793 during the French Revolution, the church was not reinstated for worship and fell into disrepair. It was saved from demolition in the 19th century thanks to preservation efforts but was further damaged during World War II when it was struck by a shell targeting German tanks nearby. Today, the church remains in a state of ruin, with parts of the nave and south aisle destroyed, though the north aisle, transept, and lantern tower still stand.

Classified as a historic monument since 1903, the Church of Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux is not open to the public due to its fragile condition. However, its Gothic architecture and historical significance make it a site of intrigue for visitors exploring Caen’s rich heritage.

The Church of Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Caen!

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