Probably founded in the 10th century, the church of Saint-Etienne-le-Vieux is one of the oldest churches in the city of Caen. Heavily damaged during the Hundred Years' War, it was rebuilt in the 15th century with a superb octagonal lantern tower. Disused in 1793, it will no longer be reopened to worship. Closed to the public and poorly maintained, it is threatened with destruction but saved in extremis by Arcisse de Caumont who plans to install the lapidary collections of the Société des Antiquaires de Normandie. Finally, these collections will join the Musée des Antiquaires de Normandie located opposite the church, in the former Collège du Mont.
The church then became a depot for the services of the City.
Hit in 1944, during the bombing, it is left in the state of ruins. The chapels of the remaining side is supported, the lantern tower and the transepts are also consolidated. The whole is closed to the public.
The enclosure of the church composed in the south by a part of the rampart of the city will be exceptionally open to the public on Sunday, September 18, from 16h to 18h30 after the concert given by the Normandy Regional Orchestra.
Access to the remains and inside of the church will remain strictly forbidden but the approach of the building will allow you to appreciate its dimensions and its exceptional decoration.
Access to the site is subject to strict compliance with the health and safety guidelines in force. Possible waiting at the entrance for the respect of the gauge.
Animation organized by the Mission de Valorisation du Patrimoine de la Ville de Caen with the help of local residents.