Église Saint-Jean, Grenoble, Circular modernist church in Grenoble, France
Église Saint-Jean is a modernist church in Grenoble built with a circular floor plan supported by 18 concrete columns. The bowl-shaped interior spans roughly 37 meters across and is topped by a lantern tower that rises about 27 meters high.
Construction started in 1963 following the parish establishment in 1954, a response to Grenoble's rapid expansion during that decade. The design reflects principles from Vatican II, which reshaped how modern churches were conceived and built across Europe.
Inside, a colored crucifix by Alain Plotard depicts Christ in a modern artistic style that echoes medieval religious imagery. This piece defines the spiritual atmosphere and shows how contemporary artists engaged with timeless religious themes.
The church is easily accessible by local tram and bus services from central Grenoble. Visiting outside of scheduled services allows for a quieter experience to observe the space and its architectural details without interruption.
The interior accommodates around 1,300 people and incorporates an ancient stone baptismal font within its modern concrete structure. This blend of historical artifact with contemporary design is uncommon in churches built during this era.
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