St. Taurin's Abbey Church

Founded in the 10th century by Richard sans Peur (Richard the Fearless), duke of Normandy, the St. Taurin's abbey church was built on the suspicious spot of St. Taurin grave, the first bishop and evangelizer of Evreux. During the Hundred Years' War the abbey was burnt down. It was left to decay and the last monks were banished during the Revolution. The former Benedictine abbey church became a parish church. The church, several times restructured, presents a wide range of architectural styles from 12th to 19th century.

The shrine, masterpiece of silversmith ordered in 1253, is unique in the world. Ordered in 1253 by Abbey Gilbert de Saint Martin, it contains some relics of Saint Taurin and Saint Laudulphe, who, according to legends, found the location of the grave of Saint Taurin thanks to a dream. The reliquary, medieval masterpiece of silversmith, is really delicate: it has been built like a mini gothic cathedral, covered with gold leaf, gilded copper and silver, with enamels and precious stones inlaid. The shrine, kept in a chapel, weights about 82kg, is 1.20m high and 1.05m long.

References:

• Evreux Tourism

Address

Place Saint-Taurin 8, Évreux, France

Details

Founded: 10th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Frankish kingdoms (France)