Église du Vieux Saint-Sauveur, Gothic church in central Caen, France
Église du Vieux Saint-Sauveur is a Gothic church with a double-nave interior and two separate apses, topped by a Norman bell tower and Gothic entrance portal. The structure displays the characteristic architectural features of religious buildings from Caen, with clear geometric lines and stone construction.
The building was originally named Notre-Dame-de-Froide-Rue and first appears in historical records around 1152 in a papal document from Pope Eugene III. The structure underwent significant functional changes after the French Revolution before reclaiming its original religious purpose.
The stained glass windows by Max Ingrand fill the interior with colored light, shaping how visitors perceive the double-nave design. These windows have become central to how the space feels today and influence the experience of walking through it.
The church sits directly on Place Saint-Sauveur and is easy to find while walking through the city center. Today it hosts art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, so checking what is on display before visiting helps plan your time.
After the French Revolution, the building was transformed into a market hall for butter and eggs, an unexpected function for a religious structure. This practical repurposing shows how the community adapted the space to meet everyday needs.
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