Église Saint-Acceul d'Écouen, Gothic church in Écouen, France
Église Saint-Acceul is a church featuring a flamboyant Gothic choir, a simple nave without a transept, and an unfinished Renaissance bell tower. The interior is defined by numerous colored windows from the 16th century that showcase religious and noble scenes.
Construction took place between 1536 and 1554 under the supervision of Anne de Montmorency, an influential nobleman of the period. It received official protection as a historical monument in 1840.
The stained glass windows depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, and members of the Montmorency family, reflecting how this church served as a religious and social center for both the community and the local nobility. These images made the connection between faith and power visible to those who worshipped here.
Access is normally available during opening hours, and visitors explore the interior best by moving slowly to appreciate the windows and architectural details. Guided tours are offered and help explain the building's special features and artwork.
The colored windows survived the French Revolution by being coated with a protective layer of whitewash. This quick action preserved these valuable 16th-century artworks for visitors to see today.
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