Church · Saint-Benoît
Église Sainte-Anne
A highly recognisable church in eastern Réunion, famous for its profuse architectural decoration and its role in the visual identity of Sainte-Anne. A major religious and architectural landmark of the east, recorded in the French Ministry of Culture's Mérimée database (entry IA00040339).
Why it matters
Religious architecture unique in the western Indian Ocean for the richness and variety of its exterior decoration; a major landmark of identity for the municipality of Saint-Benoît and for eastern Réunion.
History
The church of Sainte-Anne, in the municipality of Saint-Benoît, was built between 1857 and 1863. It is remarkable for its exceptionally profuse exterior decoration, made up of sculpted motifs, ceramics and statues depicting religious scenes and figures. This decoration reflects a strong community commitment to embellishing the place of worship. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1969 and is one of the most photographed architectural and religious landmarks in Réunion.
Sources (2)
- https://pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/IA00040339
- https://www.reunion.fr/organisez/conseils-de-voyage/questions-reponses/que-faire-a-la-reunion/
