And why not update this memorable monument in a nostalgic town for us, this is the Church of Sainte Catherine in Honfleur! If you read my blog you know this town is very attach to us, and been coming over here over many years with the family. Hope you enjoy it as we do!
And here I am again on my special Honfleur, each stop is memorable and full of souvenirs for the family. I have written many posts on Honfleur , all in a general touristic nature; however, I need to tell you about some things to see that are really worth the detour. Of course the city is in dept 14, Calvados , in the region of Normandy. This is a wonderful Church . The whole area around it is magical quant , beautiful architecture, and plenty of history I like. Let me give you a bit more background on the Church of Sainte Catherine!!!
The Church of Sainte Catherine is located near the old basin, just behind the Quai Sainte-Catherine, along the rue des Logettes in the neighborhood of the Faubourg Saint Catherine, bordered by the sea, was the sailors ‘ area. The Church of St. Catherine replaces a stone church destroyed during the Hundred Years ‘ War. It is the largest Church in France built in wood by marine carpenters. It is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, as a wood carving above the porch of the steeple, which is separated from the two naves, reminds you.
The first nave, the oldest part of the building, dates back to the second half of the 15C. It is built on the model of a market hall, with the appearance of an inverted boat hull. In the 16C a second nave is added, the vault of which conforms to that of modest Gothic Churches. The Church is covered with shingles in chestnut wood that make up the timber frame. At the bottom of the main nave is placed a beautiful organ whose carved oak buffet is in the style of the 18C, one can admire a painting depicting the carrying of crosses. Near the altar, you can see the statue of Sainte Catherine, which holds with one hand a palm, in the other a sword.
The neo-Norman porch was built on the model of those of the rural churches of Normandy at the beginning of the 20C and replaces a monumental portal in Neo-Classic style built in the previous century and which can be seen depicted on some paintings of Jongkind or Boudin. The South Gate is in Renaissance style. Note the classical organ from the parish of Saint Vincent of Rouen and the Renaissance balcony adorned with musical characters. 19C stained-glass windows decorate the chorus in the east.
The eagle-shaped lectern dates from the 15C, it is in bronze. The painting depicting the martyrdom of Pierre Berthelot was blessed in 1926; The stained glass windows and canopies were inaugurated in 1887. The steeple was erected at a good distance from the nave, it is square in frame, clad in essence and topped by an octagonal pyramid in essence, it relies on stone bedrock. The bell tower’s crutches placed in 1718 support the building. On January 2, 2015 marks the 142nd anniversary of Sainte-Thérèse of Alençon (see post). It is on this day that the sacred reliquary with a kneecap of Sainte-Thérèse was installed at the Church of Sainte Catherine.
It is a classic in Honfleur, a must see for all. One of the nice things to do in the city. Some webpages to help you plan your trip here are:
The city of Honfleur on the Church of Sainte Catherine: https://www.ville-honfleur.com/decouvrir-honfleur/honfleur-et-son-patrimoine/leglise-sainte-catherine-et-son-clocher/
The Tourist office of Honfleur on the Church and neighborhood: https://www.ot-honfleur.fr/je-profite-sur-place/patrimoine/leglise-sainte-catherine-et-son-faubourg/
The department of Calvados tourist office on Honfleur and the Church: https://www.calvados-tourisme.com/offre/eglise-sainte-catherine/
Hope you enjoy this brief, but I think interesting story on the symbolic Church of Sainte Catherine of Honfleur. There are many posts on Honfleur in my blog for a good reason.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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