Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand

A symphony of architectural styles, that’s the Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand. Right here, before us, stands this fascinating blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand’s history intertwines with the story of Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The original church on this site, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, housed the tombs of Clovis, his wife Clotilde, and later, Sainte-Geneviève herself. Imagine the scene centuries ago, when this very ground held the remains of royalty and a revered saint. As Paris grew, so did the need for a larger church. Construction on the current Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand began in 1492. It took over a century to complete, resulting in a unique mix of architectural styles. The flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance influences are a testament to the changing tastes over that period. Inside, the Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand houses a rare treasure: the only surviving rood screen in Paris. This intricately carved stone screen once separated the nave from the choir. Picture the scene: parishioners gathering in the nave, listening to scripture readings from this very screen. The church also boasts the oldest preserved organ case in Paris, dating back to 1633. The rich history of Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand doesn’t end there. The church holds the shrine of Sainte-Geneviève, although her original relics were tragically destroyed during the French Revolution. A new chasse, or reliquary, was created in the 19th century to house surviving fragments of her tomb. The Église Saint-Étienne-le-Grand stands as a tangible link to the past, a beautiful testament to changing architectural styles and a place of reverence for the patron saint of Paris.