Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.

Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.

As a result of the monastery's neglect during the Wars of Religion, the crossing tower collapsed in 1566.

From 1599 to 1604, the church was rebuilt while preserving its medieval structure. Further restorations took place in the 19th century.