Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Gothic Revival cathedral in Saint-Étienne, France.
Saint-Charles-Borromée is a Gothic Revival church building measuring about 80 meters in length with three naves and a bell tower on the western facade. Inside it contains two organs: a choir organ from 1930 and a larger instrument built by A. Durand in 1968.
Construction began in 1912 under architects Pierre Bossan and Jean Rey, replacing a smaller church that previously stood on Rue Émile Combes. The work extended over many years and some elements from the original design were never completed.
The cathedral became the episcopal seat when the diocese was established in 1970. Since then it has served as the spiritual center of the city and defines the religious identity of the community.
The building is sizable and clearly structured, making it straightforward to explore at your own pace. Visitors should note that the two organs are located at different points within the church space and may be of interest depending on your focus.
The original design included three additional bell towers and a dome that were never constructed. These unrealized elements from the blueprint reveal how ambitious the initial plans were and what practical limitations affected their completion.
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