The Abbey of Saint-Étienne, also known as Abbaye aux Hommes (“Men’s Abbey”) by contrast with the Abbaye aux Dames (“Ladies’ Abbey”), is a former Benedictine monastery in the French city of Caen, Normandy, dedicated to Saint Stephen. It was founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror and is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Normandy.
Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen, France
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Klosterkirche Saint-Étienne in Caen, Frankreich
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Abadía de los Hombres en Caen, Francia
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L’abbaye aux Hommes à Caen, France
Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, Frankrijk
Opactwa do Mężczyzn w Caen, Francja
The abbey was to be built in Caen stone, and construction began in 1066. For many decades during the 11th century, there was a mutually fruitful competition between Saint-Étienne and its sister building Sainte-Trinité.
Abbazia degli Uomini a Caen, Francia
As a consequence of the Wars of Religion, the high lantern tower in the middle of the church collapsed and was never rebuilt. The Benedictine abbey was suppressed during the French Revolution and the abbey church became a parish church. From 1804 to 1961, the abbey buildings accommodated a prestigious high school, the Lycée Malherbe. During the Normandy Landings, inhabitants of Caen found refuge in the church; on the rooftop there was a red cross, made with blood on a sheet, to show that it was a hospital (to avoid bombings).
Abadia dos Homens em Caen, França
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