NOTE: This is Part 2 of 5 articles on the introduction of the city of Rouen. A link to the next Part will appear here when published or you can subscribe to our free newsletter and receive updates directly in your inbox.
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Churches and Cathedral
Architecturally, Rouen is renowned for its impressive Gothic structures. The Rouen Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, has been immortalized in a series of paintings by the impressionist artist Claude Monet. The cathedral's intricate facade and towering spire make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Click here to read more about this amazing cathedral.
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Church of Saint-Maclou
Additionally, the city is home to several other significant churches, such as the Church of Saint-Maclou. The Church of Saint-Maclou, also known as Église Saint-Maclou, is a Roman Catholic church. It's considered one of the crowning achievements of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in the country.
Construction began in 1437 and spanned over eight decades, finally being completed in 1517. This period bridged the late Gothic era and the Renaissance, reflected in the church's architectural style.
Flamboyant Gothic is known for its intricate stonework flourishes, pointed arches, and emphasis on light and verticality.
The Church of Saint-Maclou exemplifies this style with its:
Elaborate western facade adorned with a rose window and a five-bay porch featuring openwork gables.
Sculpted details throughout, showcasing biblical scenes and religious figures.
Soaring lantern tower that serves as both a bell tower and a symbol of the church's grandeur.
The church is named after Saint Malo, also known as Maclou, a Breton saint.
Click here to see where the Church of Saint-Maclou is located on Google Maps
Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen
The Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen, also known as the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, is a magnificent Gothic church and former Benedictine abbey.
Founded around 750 AD, the abbey was originally dedicated to Saint Peter. A large Romanesque church stood on the site before the current building. Construction of the present church began in 1318 but was interrupted by the Hundred Years' War. It was eventually completed in the 15th century, reflecting the Flamboyant Gothic style.
After the French Revolution, the abbey ceased to function as a monastery, but the church remained.
The Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen is a prime example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, known for its:
Emphasis on light and space: The church boasts vast interiors with towering ceilings and large stained glass windows, creating a sense of awe and openness.
Imposing size: The church is quite large, measuring 137 meters long and 33 meters high under the vaults.
Elegant proportions: Despite its size, the church maintains a harmonious balance and sense of proportion.
Stunning stained glass: A series of 80 original stained glass windows adorn the three levels of the church, creating a breathtaking display of color and light.
Both churches are also fine examples of Gothic architecture.
Click here to see where the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen is located on Google Maps
Other churches and chapels include:
Chapel of Grandmont
![Chapelle Sainte-Catherine](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8d796cf-36d7-4b7f-9d22-2e8975dba26c_1024x768.jpeg)
![Chapelle Sainte-Catherine](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff63c8784-f1be-4d96-97fa-c869ed4aad6a_1024x768.jpeg)
![Chapelle Sainte-Catherine](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4753d9c1-9660-4ff5-93c6-9969bda86ed4_1024x768.jpeg)
![Chapelle Sainte-Catherine](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd88782f6-cf4c-44a4-942d-81b21cec7e8c_1024x768.jpeg)
Chapelle Sainte-Catherine de Grandmont (Chapel of Grandmont): This is a 13th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine. It was originally part of a larger priory complex that belonged to the Grandmontine Order.
After the order's suppression in the 18th century, the chapel was repurposed as a gunpowder storehouse. Luckily, it was eventually returned to religious use in 1970. Today, visitors can still admire this small chapel, located at 6 Rue Henri II Plantagenêt.
Click here to see where the Chapelle Sainte-Catherine de Grandmont is located on Google Maps
Church of Saint-Godard
![Church of Saint-Godard](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F63dbc0fe-3f00-4ee2-8f48-8416d8167119_1024x683.jpeg)
![Church of Saint-Godard](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffcb6a3ae-b8b5-41c8-a88e-63d0d3d6912c_1024x683.jpeg)
The Église Saint-Godard (Church of Saint-Godard) is a historic Catholic church located in the center of Rouen.
The church's origins are a bit murky. It was likely built sometime between the 6th and 9th centuries, possibly dedicated to Saint Mary or Saint Romain initially. It eventually became dedicated to Saint Godard, a bishop of Rouen buried in the church around 525 AD.
The church faced challenges throughout its history, including being sacked by Huguenots (French Protestants) in the 16th century and suffering closure during the French Revolution. It was reopened for worship in 1806 and has seen renewed interest and restoration efforts in recent years.
Unlike many other Rouen churches built in the Gothic style, Église Saint-Godard has a more functional design. It features a large, rectangular structure with three parallel naves, allowing it to accommodate a significant number of worshippers. Despite its simpler style, the church still possesses some beautiful stained glass windows, including some that survived from the Middle Ages.
After years of limited access, Église Saint-Godard has undergone renovations and reopened more frequently for public visits and religious services.
Click here to see where the Église Saint-Godard is located on Google Maps
Church of Saint Joan of Arc
![Church of Saint Joan of Arc](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3e59e8f2-87fd-4fd4-8b01-6a1f2506d827_1024x768.jpeg)
![Church of Saint Joan of Arc](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe36f81b9-c828-4615-90fb-b215d4ded0d0_1024x768.jpeg)
The Church of Saint Joan of Arc (Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc) is a unique and modern landmark dedicated to the iconic French heroine.
Built in 1979, the church stands on the very spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431, on the historic Place du Vieux-Marché. It serves a dual purpose: a house of worship honoring Saint Joan and a civil memorial commemorating the national heroine.
The church's design is quite distinct from the surrounding medieval architecture of Rouen. The architect, Louis Arretche, opted for a bold and symbolic approach. The church's exterior is clad in slate and copper scales, some say resembling a Viking ship or the flames of Joan's execution pyre. Its sweeping curves and sharp angles create a dynamic and modern aesthetic.
While the exterior is striking, the interior offers a more contemplative space. One notable feature is the incorporation of stained glass windows from the destroyed Church of Saint-Vincent. These beautiful Renaissance windows add a touch of history and color to the modern space.
Click here to see where the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc is located on Google Maps
Temple Saint-Éloi
![Temple Saint-Éloi](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F13666417-aa46-495a-8f6d-1795362f0ee4_1024x683.jpeg)
![Temple Saint-Éloi](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8383d8a8-dc86-422c-9413-88f9c59acec1_1024x684.jpeg)
![Temple Saint-Éloi](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6dbb0a8f-6579-4ea0-97f1-85fa54ab2de8_1024x1535.jpeg)
The Temple Saint-Éloi is a historic Protestant church with a long and interesting past. Originally built as a Catholic church in 1228, it served this purpose for over 500 years. During the French Revolution, the church was seized and eventually assigned to the Protestant congregation in 1803. Today, it remains a functioning Protestant temple (place of worship).
The Temple Saint-Éloi showcases a blend of architectural styles reflecting its long history. The core structure is Gothic, evident in its pointed arches and ribbed vaults. However, later additions and modifications might incorporate other stylistic elements.
The temple is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, some dating back to the 16th century. It also houses a remarkable organ built by Lefebvre in 1735, which is classified as a historical monument and still used for concerts and religious services.
Click here to see where the Temple Saint-Éloi is located on Google Maps
NOTE: This is Part 2 of 5 articles on the introduction of the city of Rouen. A link to the next Part will appear here when published or you can subscribe to our free newsletter and receive updates directly in your inbox.
Click here to read Part 1
Click here to read Part 3
Click here to read Part 4
Click here to read Part 5.