Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen

The Abbey of Saint-Étienne is a Benedictine monastery in Caen built with warm Caen stone and organized in a Latin cross layout featuring two prominent façade towers. Inside, several chapels reveal the building's sophisticated ribbed vault system that creates intricate patterns across the ceiling.

The monastery was founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda as a demonstration of Norman power during the medieval period. Over centuries, it became an important center of religious and intellectual life in the region.

The abbey stands as a gathering place where both pilgrims and residents have passed through for centuries, creating a continuous thread of spiritual life. The warm limestone walls hold the memory of countless moments of reflection and prayer that shaped the community.

The church section welcomes visitors while the adjacent monastery buildings now serve as municipal offices and are not open for tours. Plan your visit during the church's open hours and enter through the designated public entrance to the main worship space.

During World War II, residents of Caen sheltered inside the church and marked its roof with a red cross so pilots could recognize it from above. This wartime mark of protection tells a powerful story of how the building served the community in their darkest hour.

Location: Caen

Inception: 1059

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Made from material: Caen stone

Part of: religious heritage of Caen

Address: Esp. Jean-Marie Louvel, 14000 Caen, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-18:00; Friday 08:00-17:00; Saturday 14:00-18:00

Phone: +33231304281

Email: abbayeauxhommes@caen.fr

Website: https://caen.fr/abbaye-aux-hommes

GPS coordinates: 49.18167,-0.37278

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01