Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne Monastic buildings Consecrated in 1077, the abbey church represents the oldest part of the site, with most of the features dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The choir was redesigned in the 13th century to reflect the prevailing Gothic style and is home to the tomb of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England. The monastery was erected in the 11th century, but destroyed during the First War of Religion (1562-63), before being rebuilt in the 18th century. The monastic buildings are built around a Tuscan-style cloister epitomising the classical Italian style. The buildings today are home to Caen city hall. Together with the recently refurbished Place Saint-Sauveur, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes represents a unique heritage site. In December 2013, Caen was awarded the City of Art and History hallmark in official recognition of its remarkable heritage. Medieval buildings and agricultural buildings The abbey also used to be a farm and an inn. It still houses a cider press, a carriage house and a bakery. Two 14th century buildings bear witness to the abbey’s former role as a place of refuge and a political venue. - Palais Ducal, which was restored between 2012 and 2013, now hosts the city’s art library and its collection of contemporary art. - The Guardroom, where town council meetings take place Palais Ducal Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne Place Saint-Sauveur * Prices: refer to the pricing information for individual guided tours. By advance booking only. Restricted to 40 people. Cloister DepliantAbbH_2015_GB.indd 1 17/03/2015 17:27:05 caen.fr C m A and C : 100% wheelchair > Circuit B : cider press and guardroom not accessible to wheelchair users > Circuits access Mobility impairment Refectory > Portable induction loops available Calefactory > Adapted commentary > Visitors may touch the exhibits > Raised features Visual impairment 18th century monastery rooms 17th century buildings Visit meeting point Parlour Cloister Esplanade Jean-Marie-Louvel RECEPTION Visit meeting point Shop Scriptorium Grand staircase Cider press Entrance Hearing impairment Edward, the King of England, had named William, the Duke of Normandy, to be his successor. Upon Edward’s death and betrayed by Harold, Edward’s brother-in-law, William took up arms to assert his claim to the throne. William defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. William was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on 25 December 1066, whereupon he became William "the Conqueror". On 9 September 1087, he died in Rouen. According to his wishes, he was interred in the Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne in Caen. Work began on the Abbaye-aux-Hommes in 1066, the year that marked the Norman conquest of England. Towards 1050, William married his distant cousin Matilda of Flanders, despite opposition from Pope Leo IX. The Church forbade their marriage, so Matilda and William sought atonement by founding the Abbaye-aux-Dames, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, dedicated to Saint-Étienne. Born in Falaise in 1027, William was the son of Robert the Magnificent, the future Duke of Normandy, and Herleva, a tanner’s daughter. Upon his father’s death, William became the designated sole heir to the ducal throne. His succession to the throne was challenged by the barons, who considered William to be Robert’s illegitimate son. William quashed the rebels once and for all in 1047 and became the undisputed Duke of Normandy. William the Conqueror Bakery Guardroo Impasse Duc-Rollon Chapter room B Palais ducal Sacristy A Matines staircase DepliantAbbH_2015_GB.indd 2 17/03/2015 17:27:08 Entrance > Individuals: you are advised to telephone ahead of your visit > Documents are available with pictures and symbols Intellectual disability Enquiries: City of Caen Reception / Guided tours Esplanade Jean-Marie-Louvel 14027 CAEN cedex 9 Tel: + 33 2 31 30 42 81 [email protected] Place Saint-Sauveur William's tomb Abbey church of Saint-Étienne Entrance Monseigneur des Hameaux square rue Guillaume-le-Conquérant Ville de Caen / Photos© Ville de Caen - F. Decaëns, S. Maurice, municipal Archives, DR and X / Translator: S. Mountifield / Print: ETC-Inn / Picture: Descente de Guillaume en Angleterre , N-B Lépicié / 2015 caen.fr
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