Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Saint-Étienne church, located in the heart of Saint-Étienne-d'Orthe in the Landes, finds its origins in the late Middle Ages, between the 15th and 16th centuries. Built in a context marked by the end of the Hundred Years' War and the English occupation, its square bell tower with defensive looks reflects this troubled period. The three-ship nave, extended by a gothic apse facing north, forms the initial nucleus of the building. The later additions, along with the sacristy erected in 1794 according to the plans of a dacquois architect, testify to the successive extensions.

In 1739, the church underwent major changes: partial reconstruction of the chapel of Saint-Nicolas (now Saint Joseph), transformation of the windows of the collaterals, repair of the walls and paving of the choir. This work coincides with the granting, by the bishop of Dax, Bishop Suarez of Aulan, of a right of bench and burial to the Lalanne family in this chapel, as a reward for its benefits. This privilege, abolished during the Revolution by the ban on intramural burials, will be compensated in 1853 by the allocation of land to the cemetery.

The 19th century saw the increase of restorations, often financed by wealthy families in the village. In 1825, the city council, alerted by the old building, decided to extend the coasts for 8,000 francs, which was covered by voluntary donations. The bequests and contributions continue: in 1832, the Bernard Dartiguenave family paid 400 francs to restore the painting of the high altar; in 1834, Marie Pomaret bequeathed a farm for the chapel of the Virgin; In 1874, an anonymous donor offered 1,000 francs for the altar of Saint Joseph. In 1886 Pierre Darmendieu and his sister Jeanne replaced the bells after the crack of the only specimen.

The church houses a remarkable altarpiece, classified as a historical monument, commissioned in 1713 by the sculptors dacquois Giraut and Royer. Delivered in 1714 for 1,290 pounds and gold in 1734 by Pierre Toureille, he is distinguished by his torso columns, his statues of St Peter and St Paul, and his bas-reliefs representing the stoning and arrest of St Stephen. Restored in 1877, it illustrates 18th century regional artistic know-how.

In the twenty-first century, restoration campaigns aim to preserve this heritage. In 2014, bedside work revealed hidden architectural elements, while a public subscription was launched to finance a second tranche. These efforts highlight the local attachment to a building that embodies both religious history, medieval conflicts and community generosity throughout the centuries.

External links