Church of Saint-Taurin
About Church of Saint-Taurin
The Church of Saint-Taurin is a former Benedictine abbey church founded around 950 by Richard I of Normandy, dedicated to Saint Taurin, the first bishop of Évreux who evangelized the region in the 4th century. The building showcases a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles due to multiple reconstructions, with 12th-century pillars in the north aisle, a 15th-century Gothic choir rebuilt after the Hundred Years' War, and a 17th-century classical portal. The church's greatest treasure is the Châsse (Reliquary) of Saint Taurin, a 13th-century masterpiece of French goldsmith work commissioned around 1246-1255, designed as a miniature Gothic cathedral in silver and gilded copper with champlevé enamel. Visitors can admire 70 stunning stained glass panels spanning from the 15th to 20th centuries, including remarkable 15th-century windows depicting scenes from Saint Taurin's life. Note that the famous reliquary has been temporarily displayed at the Musée d'Art, d'Histoire et d'Archéologie d'Évreux during restoration work but is expected to return to the church. Entry is free, and the church is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Interesting Facts
According to medieval legend, when Saint Taurin arrived in Évreux to convert the pagans, he confronted the devil who appeared in three terrifying animal forms: a lion, a bear, and a buffalo. After defeating the demon, Taurin tore off one of its horns as proof of his victory. The horn was kept in the abbey until the French Revolution, and legend held that anyone who approached it could hear the devil whispering 'Taurin, Taurin, give me back my horn!'
The reliquary of Saint Taurin weighs approximately 82 kilograms and was likely financed by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) himself, as evidenced by the royal heraldic symbols on the piece: the fleur-de-lis of Louis IX and the castle of Castile representing his mother Blanche of Castille. The reliquary even features tiny realistic gargoyles on its buttress corners, mimicking actual Gothic cathedral architecture in extraordinary miniature detail.
Unlike most French churches that belong to the diocese, the Church of Saint-Taurin is one of the rare churches in France owned by the municipality rather than the Catholic Church. During the French Revolution, the building was converted into a saltpeter factory for producing gunpowder before being returned to religious use in 1801.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Place Saint-Taurin, 27000 Évreux, France
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