Saint-Étienne Church

The Church of Saint-Étienne, in Roanne

The Church of Saint-Étienne is a historic jewel of Roanne and the oldest church of the town, on a site occupied since the Roman era. The Roanne audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this age-old sanctuary, witness of the ancient origins and the long spiritual history of the town.

The oldest church of the town

This fine church is a true historic jewel of Roanne. It is thought that a place of worship was already there at the time of the Romans, when the town was called Rodumna and was a prosperous Gallo-Roman town. But the first church officially built here dates from 1610: it is thus the oldest church of Roanne. Dedicated to St Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity, it testifies to the continuity of the religious life on this site through the centuries, from the ancient origins to our days. The building, modified and embellished several times over time, presents an architecture that mixes different eras and illustrates the history of the Roanne heritage. Inside, in a peaceful atmosphere conducive to contemplation, the church keeps furniture, works of art and decorative elements that tell the devotion of the faithful. A place of memory and faith in the heart of the town, it is one of the oldest and most precious monuments of Roanne, guardian of its roots. An age-old sanctuary and the oldest church of the town, the Church of Saint-Étienne is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the oldest church of Roanne, on a site where a place of worship already existed at the time of the Romans, when the town was called Rodumna; the first church was built here in 1610, dedicated to St Stephen, first martyr of Christianity, and the building, modified over time, keeps furniture and works of art conducive to contemplation. The Church of Saint-Étienne is a historic jewel of Roanne. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Saint-Étienne lies in the heart of Roanne, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Church of Saint-Étienne the oldest of Roanne?

Because the first church officially built in Roanne dates from 1610, and it rises on a site where a place of worship already existed at the time of the Romans, when the town was called Rodumna; dedicated to St Stephen, first martyr of Christianity, it testifies to the continuity of the religious life through the centuries.

Where is the Church of Saint-Étienne in Roanne?

In the heart of Roanne, in France.