Church of Sainte-Catherine

church, Honfleur, France

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July 13, 2026

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The Church of Sainte-Catherine in Honfleur, France, is a unique 15th-century wooden church constructed by shipbuilders, giving it the appearance of an upside-down ship. It is a notable example of a stave church, a type of medieval wooden church found in Northern Europe.12

Unlike typical log construction, stave churches feature vertical wall timbers supported by corner posts called staves. The Sainte-Catherine church is separated from its wooden belfry, which is located in the Place du Marché. While Gothic architecture often emphasizes size, Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, built in the Rayonnant style, is celebrated for its jewel-like perfection and extensive stained glass.2134

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Honfleur
The timber church of Sainte-Catherine, which looks like a ship upside down, was constructed in the 15th century by shipbuilders. It is separated from its wooden belfry, which is in the Place du Marché.
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The timber church of Sainte-Catherine, which looks like a ship upside down, was constructed in the 15th century by shipbuilders. It is separated from its wooden belfry, which is in the Place du Marché.
Read More