Located next to the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen are the handsome ruins of St-Etienne-le-Vieux (Old St. Stephen's), a large medieval church destroyed in World War II.

History of St-Etienne-Le-Vieux

The existence of St-Etienne-le-Vieux is first recorded in 1066, but it was probably built earlier. It was then that it began to be called "Old" St. Stephen's, because the new church at the adjacent Abbaye aux Hommes was also dedicated to St. Stephen.

The original Romanesque church was destroyed during the English sieges of 1346 and 1417 (the Hundred Years War) and subsequently rebuilt in a Gothic style. During the French Revolution it was used as a stable.

The old church was saved from demolition by Arcisse de Caumont in 1847, but was partly destroyed in a bombing of 1944.

What to See at St-Etienne-Le-Vieux

Old St. Stephen's Church has been left in ruins, which make for a handsome and intriguing sight near the Abbaye aux Hommes. The nave and south aisle are completely gone, but the north aisle, transept and crossing tower still stand.

Quick Facts on St-Etienne-Le-Vieux

Site Information
Names:	Old St-Etienne · St-Etienne-le-Vieux
Country:	France
Categories:	churches
Styles:	Gothic
Dedication:	St. Stephen
Dates:	13th-14th C
Status:	ruins
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	49.181149° N, 0.369281° W
Address:	Caen, France
Lodging:	View hotels near St-Etienne-Le-Vieux

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Caen, church of Saint-Etienne-le-Vieux - Collections of the Musée de Normandie

More Information

• Photos of St-Etienne-Le-Vieux - here on Sacred Destinations