église Saint-Étienne

English translation

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History

The parish of Saint-Esteben is mentioned as early as 1320, but the present church does not appear to be earlier than the 17th century; it was probably rebuilt or very substantially reworked in the 17th century following the destruction caused by the Wars of Religion. Furthermore, the western facade wall, in which opens the door surmounted by the date 1692, is later than the walls of the nave. It can therefore be hypothesised that there was a reconstruction in the first half of the 17th century, after 1620 (the suppression of the Huguenots), and a reworking of the facade in 1692, followed in the course of the 18th century by the construction of the presbytery attached to it, and by the interior arrangement of the church (galleries, choir), completed in the 19th century (chair rail of the choir). Good example of a traditional Basque church, with a single nave, with coffered ceiling, double level of galleries and very rich furnishing decoration at the level of the choir. The town hall has installed itself in the former 18th century presbytery.