The Abbaye-aux-Hommes ("Men's Abbey") is the current town hall of the French city of Caen. Dedicated to Saint Étienne, it is considered, together with the neighbouring Sainte Trinité in Caen as one of the most notable Romanesque buildings in Normandy. During the 11th century the two semi-completed churches stood for many decades in competition. An important feature added to both churches in about 1120 was the ribbed vault, used for the first time in France. The two abbey churches are considered forerunners of the Gothic. The two monasteries were finally donated by William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda of Flanders, as penalty for their marriage against the Pope's ruling. Both William and Matilda were buried there.