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Origin and history

The Saint-Étienne church of Romorantin-Lanthenay was first mentioned in 1178 as a collegiate church. Its origins date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, with vestiges of the transept, the bell tower, and an apse. A partial reconstruction takes place at the hinge of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, including the cross of the elevated transept and the nave built in the first half of the thirteenth century. Devastated during the Hundred Years' War in the 15th century, it was rebuilt and consecrated in 1504, before being again sacked in 1562 by the Calvinist troops of the prince of Condé.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the church was restored and enlarged: a walk around the choir, and five chapels were added (one in 1600 for the Brossier family, and others in 1609, 1612, 1613). A staircase leading to the organ stand, dated 1630, is made for Pierre Gouda by René G. The west façade was remodeled in the first half of the 17th century, and a belfry was laid on the bell tower in 1632. The architects Poupart then Chauvallon radically transformed the building in the 19th century (1863–66), modifying the transept, the lower side, and interior decorations.

The present church presents a circular choir disoriented to the south, surrounded by a walkway and six chapels (four radiant and two exterior). The bell tower and choir have been listed as Historic Monument since 1911, while the nave and its sides are listed in 2007. The remains of the 12th and 13th centuries (northern portail of the transept, carved capitals) coexist with elements of the 17th and 19th centuries, testifying to its turbulent history.

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