St-Pierre, Caen
View of St-Pierre from Caen Chateau. Photo
ἀλέξ.
Side view of the Gothic St-Pierre. Photo
Michael Davie.
Gothic details of the exterior. Photo
Sergio José Martínez Primiani.
Great rose window. Photo under GFDL.
Much loved by the citizens of Caen, the Église St-Pierre (St. Peter's Church) is a fine example of the transition between Gothic and Renaissance forms.
History
St-Pierre was built on the south side of Caen Chateau in the 13th and 14th centuries, and an ornate Renaissance east end was added in the early 16th century.
What to See
The church is best known for its 75m (245ft) tower of 1308, whose soaring spire was destroyed in 1944 and subsequently restored.
The interior features an elegant Gothic nave and an elaborate Renaissance apse, with rich decoration and unusual vaulting. Directly over the altar is a life-size sculpture of St. Peter, the church's patron.
The church adjoins Place St-Pierre, which has a monument to Joan of Arc (1964).
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | St-Pierre; &Eglise; St-Pierre; St. Peter's Church |
| Dedicated to: | St. Peter |
| Location: | Caen, Normandy, France |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Date: | 13th-14th centuries, 16th century |
| Architecture: | Gothic, Renaissance |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 49.184032° N, 0.36088° W (view on Google Maps) |
Travel Resources for Caen
- Caen Map - our detailed interactive map of Caen, plus hand-picked links to more
- Caen Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Caen Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Caen Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Caen tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of St-Pierre. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Caen Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
Article last updated: 08/23/2009.
