Saint Ètienne Le Vieux

Church of Saint-Etienne-Le-Vieux
Founded by Duke William in the 11th century the benedictine abbey of St Stephen comprised a vast enclosure whose walls sheltered the buildings and gardens.
Whilst a section of the 14th century fortified enceinte and two medieval buildings survive, most of it was rebuilt during the 18th century from plans drawn by the monk and architect Guillaume de la Tremblaye. The abbey was turned into a lycée in 1804. It was later used to shelter the townspeople during the battle for CAen in 1944.
Ruined from 1944 the building has preserved an octogonal lantern tower from the first half of the 15th century.
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