Église Saint-Jean: A Testament to Caen's Resilience
Discover Église Saint-Jean in Caen: a resilient landmark blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, famed for its leaning tower and stunning contemporary stained glass.
Église Saint-Jean, a captivating church in Caen, stands as a testament to the city's enduring spirit. Constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, it replaced a Romanesque predecessor. Its Flamboyant Gothic style, Renaissance-era tower lantern, and notably leaning spire make it a unique landmark. The church's precarious tilt is attributed to the marshy ground upon which it was built. Despite suffering severe damage during the bombings of 1944, Église Saint-Jean was meticulously restored, reopening its doors in 1964. Today, visitors can admire its architectural details, including contemporary stained glass by Danièle Perré, and experience a place of worship that has persevered through centuries of change and conflict. The church offers a serene escape and a tangible connection to Caen's rich history.
A brief summary to Église Saint-Jean
- 110 Rue Saint-Jean, Caen, 14000, FR
- +33231861311
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-7 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the contemporary stained glass windows by Danièle Perré.
- Take a moment to observe the church's unique architecture, particularly the leaning spire, a result of the marshy ground.
- Check the church's schedule for services or cultural events to enhance your visit.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Caen city center, such as Place Saint-Sauveur, Église Saint-Jean is easily reachable on foot. Head north along Rue Saint-Jean, a main thoroughfare. The church will be on your left after a short walk, its leaning tower a distinctive landmark. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Public Transport
The Twisto tram and bus network serves Église Saint-Jean. Several bus lines stop near the church, including lines that stop at Saint-Jean Eglise station. From the Caen train station (Gare SNCF), take the tram towards Saint-Pierre and get off at the Saint-Pierre stop, then walk a few minutes along Rue Saint-Jean. A single Twisto ticket costs €2 and is valid for one hour.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Caen. A short ride from the train station or another point in the city center to Église Saint-Jean will typically cost between €7-€9, depending on traffic and the specific service.
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