Église Sainte-Catherine

About

The parish church Sainte-Catherine-d'Alexandrie, simply called Sainte-Catherine, stands next to its former presbytery in the centre of the town of La Flotte in the French department of Charente-Maritime in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It dates from the 15th century in its oldest parts. The South Gate and the stained glass windows have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1988.

History: A 12th century chapel, dependent on Mauléon's castle of lords, served as the basis for the construction of Sainte-Catherine, which dates from the 13th century and was later destroyed around 1575. Thanks to Nicolas de la Courbe de Brée, bishop of Saintes, she became an independent parish. In 1621, during the conflicts between Protestants and Catholics, it underwent further degradation and was rehabilitated in 1627. In 1742, a few houses and sacristy were destroyed to the east for its expansion work, in order to accommodate the growing population. In 1765, the bell tower was enhanced by about six metres and renovated. During the Revolution, it became the temple of Reason. It was repaired again in 1805, when he returned to Catholic worship...