Église Sainte-Rita de Paris, Gothic Revival church in 15th arrondissement of Paris, France
Église Sainte-Rita de Paris is a Gothic Revival church on rue François-Bonvin featuring pointed arches and detailed architectural ornaments typical of its style. The building was transformed into a climbing facility and reopened to the public in 2024.
The church was founded in 1900 and operated as an independent Gallican Catholic place of worship starting in 1987. It remained active until 2015 when the religious community ceased operations.
The church held annual animal blessings and masses for motorcyclists, bringing together religious practice with community life in Paris. These gatherings created a bridge between traditional faith and everyday activities.
The former church now functions as an indoor climbing center with modern equipment and routes for different skill levels. Visitors should wear comfortable clothes and check opening hours before planning a visit.
Before becoming a church, the building housed the studio of renowned French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme from 1884 to 1900. This artistic past is an overlooked chapter in the site's history.
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