Eglise Saint-Crépin de Château-Thierry

The church of Saint-Crépin will celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2025, and guided tours are planned to mark the occasion.Of Château-Thierry's 3 churches, only Saint-Crépin remains today. Built on the site of a former chapel demolished during the 100 Years' War, it stands "outside" the castle walls and was plundered by the English in the early 15th century, when it was rebuilt as a "hall church". During the revolutionary period, it was used to store hay. In 1794, a violent storm knocked down the spire, which broke the roof. After reconstruction, with its enormous proportions (36 m high bell tower), limestone ashlar and sandstone base, it boasts an impressive eleven-bay nave, with sculpted keystones depicting faces in profile. Its immense Second Empire stained glass windows and choir were destroyed in 1918. Rebuilt by master glassmakers Gigon, Picol and Le Chevalier. Did you know that Jean de La Fontaine was baptized in the church's baptismal font? Yes, it was July 8, 1621!

Show less