Church of St Joan of Arc, Modern Catholic church in Place du Vieux-Marché, Rouen, France
The Church of St Joan of Arc stands on Place du Vieux-Marché, its dark slate roof sweeping down in a sharp triangular profile close to the ground. The interior has a tall curving wall of stained glass divided into vertical panels, rising to a ceiling of narrow wooden planks. Rows of light wooden pews face a central altar on a dark tiled floor.
The building was constructed in 1979 on the exact site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. It replaced the Saint Vincent parish church, which was destroyed during World War II.
The interior displays glass windows from the 1500s that came from the former Church of Saint Vincent, showing scenes from Christ's life and various saints. These recovered works sit within modern walls, blending old artistic traditions with contemporary design.
The church stands on the Place du Vieux-Marché, with its entrance facing the square and the market halls alongside. The interior is step-free from the square, and the covered walkway under the tiled roof gives shelter. The north wall holds the 16th-century windows, so morning light falls on them; the small garden Le Bûcher, marking the execution site, lies just outside to the north.
The market halls beside the church were designed by Louis Arretche to look like overturned boats and fish with open mouths, early Christian symbols. The church roof continues this form, sloping down to a covered walkway across the Place du Vieux-Marché.
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