Église Saint-Étienne, Catholic church in Uzès, France.
Église Saint-Étienne is a Baroque church in Uzès, built from 1764 to 1774 to a design by Avignon architect Pierre Bondon. It has a Greek-cross plan, a rounded front wall with an arched doorway under a carved cross, and a dome topped by a cross. A 13th-century square bell tower with open arches stands to the left.
An earlier church once stood on this site but was destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century. Architect Pierre Bondon designed the replacement, which reflects the 18th-century move toward classical, rational design.
The church is dedicated to Saint Stephen, whose feast day falls on 26 December. The building was commissioned by Bishop Bonaventure Baüyn, the 63rd Bishop of Uzès, and its Greek-cross plan shapes how the congregation gathers around the central space. The 13th-century bell tower beside it once served as a watchtower and defensive post.
This church sits at the edge of the old town, easily accessible on foot from surrounding streets. A visit here works well alongside exploring the medieval lanes and squares nearby, allowing you to see several sights in one outing.
The heavy rectangular bell tower dates to the 13th century and is the only part of the original church that survived. Its design reveals how medieval buildings served double duty as fortifications and lookouts, not merely as places of worship.
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