Saint-Cécile Church (Église Saint-Cécile)
About Saint-Cécile Church (Église Saint-Cécile)
The Church of Saint Cecilia in Acquigny is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Eure department and a masterpiece of 18th-century Norman Baroque art. Originally built in the Renaissance period (choir circa 1545, nave 1552-1572), the church was completely transformed between 1746 and 1788 by Pierre-Robert Le Roux d'Esneval, a wealthy magistrate known as the "Président d'Acquigny," who personally funded the stunning Rocaille-style interior decorations. Classified as a Historic Monument, the church features exceptional decorative elements including grisaille paintings, gilded wooden tribunes framing the high altar, and the remarkable Chapel of the Holy Spirit behind the altar. Visitors can admire works by notable artists including Jean-Baptiste Huet the Elder and a modern 1938 stained glass oculus by François Décorchemont. The church is open for free guided visits on Saturday afternoons from mid-June through September, with visits possible by appointment at other times. Located in the charming village of Acquigny at the confluence of the Eure and Iton rivers, the church is just 3 km from Louviers and easily accessible from Rouen.
Interesting Facts
Jean-Baptiste Huet the Elder, famous primarily as an animal painter who created works for Versailles and Marie Antoinette, produced one of his rare religious paintings for this church in 1782 - a Rosary painting that remains one of the few examples of his sacred art.
At the end of his life, the Président d'Acquigny built a private residence called the "Petit Château" directly attached to the church apse. This unusual structure included a hidden tribune overlooking the altar, a private oratory, a paneled library, and a seigneurial gallery - allowing him to attend services in complete privacy.
During World War II, German forces occupied the church and used it as a storage facility. The building survived the war intact, but traces of this occupation were found during restoration work in the 1990s, including German inscriptions hidden behind panels.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Place de l'Église, 27400 Acquigny, France
Website
https://eglisedacquigny.frDay Routes
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