Caen - Saint-Pierre

Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.

Saint-Pierre, seen from the castle.

Two earlier medieval predecessor churches are known. The oldest part of the present church is the lower storey of the bell tower. The west facade and the upper floors of the tower were completed in the 14th century. The nave and side aisles, in their present state, date from the 15th century; the ambulatory choir and its ring of chapels were added in the first half of the 16th century. Towards the end of the Second World War Saint Pierre was severely damaged by Allied bombs. The falling spire destroyed the first bays of the church, and fires destroyed the roof. Reconstruction took place in the 1950s.