) Is the capital of the province of Lorraine. In fact, the city is located on east coast the Moselle River, in close proximity to the western national road linking Paris and Strasbourg .
In addition, the city of Metz is located on the main railway line from Strasbourg to Brussels. As for its origin, it dates back to Roman times.
After the death of Charlemagne, the town became the capital of the Kingdom of Lothair and continued to flourish despite subsequent dynastic wars. IN the middle ages Metz was already wealthy and strong enough that it allowed him to declare himself an independent republic, which he remained until the annexation of France in 1552.
Border Metz, which was for a long time between the two warring parties, constantly passed into one or the other hands. In 1870, when the defeated army Napoleon III surrendered to Kaiser Wilhelm I, he was given to Germany. He managed to regain his independence only at the end of the First World War. However, already in 1940, Hitler re-annexed the city to Germany, and only in 1944 Metz was finally liberated by the allied forces.
Its only noteworthy attraction is the majestic st. Stephen's Cathedral (Cathedrale Saint-Etienne de Metz) or Metz Cathedral. However, Metz is not as harsh as one might think, given its northern location and industrial backstory.
Still, it deserves its status, which determines the style of the city - the title of the city of gardens. This is how it was characterized for its impeccable flower beds, warm shades of mustard yellow stone buildings and the Moselle River. All together create an attractive urban landscape. University , founded here in the 1970s, at least partially gives the city energy.
Arrival, information about the city and accommodation in Metz
The huge granite train station is opposite the post office at the end of rue Gambetta. The bus station is located east of the train station (on the other side of the railroad tracks) on the avenue l`Amphitheater. The Tourist Office (place d`Armes) is located next to the municipality on the Armory Square in the old town. You can get here by almost any bus from the station.
The French city of Metz has a fairly large number of hotels as well as cheaper options for temporary accommodation, including boarding house HI, hostels (at the tourist office you can get information about all the hostels available in the summer) and camping. At the same time, there is no shortage of luxurious and expensive establishments. Most budget-priced hotels are located near railway stationbut in the midst of tourist season quite often they lack free space.
Metz Hotels
1). Hotel de la Cathedrale - A charming hotel with stained glass windows is located opposite the cathedral. Hotel address: 25 place de Chambre;
2). Hotel Du Center - Well appointed modern hotel located between rue des Clercs and place St-Louis. Hotel address: 14 rue Dupont-des-Loges;
3). Hotel Grand-Hotel Metz - An old characteristic establishment, next to the cathedral in the heart of the old town with friendly staff. Hotel address: 3 rue des Clercs;
4). Lafayette Hotel - A cheap hotel on a busy shopping street leading from the Place de la Republique to the cathedral. Hotel address: 24 rue des Clercs;
5). Metropole Hotel - Not a very welcoming place, but you can stay there. The hotel is located opposite the train station. Hotel address: 5 place du General-de-Gaulle;
6). Hotel Moderne - A comfortable hotel with friendly staff, located a little to the left of the train station. Hotel address: 1 rue Lafayette;
7). Hotel Du Theater - Luxurious hotel, excellent location on the Moselle island, behind the cathedral. The hotel has a swimming pool. Hotel address: 3 rue du Pont-St-Marcel.
Hostels and campgrounds in Metz
1). Hostel Carrefour - Conveniently located hostel with double and multi-bed rooms, close to the cathedral. Friendly and helpful staff. You can use both your own bedding and those offered here. Internet access is provided. Cost of living: 12-14 euros per day. Hostel address: 6 rue Marchant;
2). Hostel Metz Plage - Clean hostel on the island. Friendly and helpful staff. From railway station you need to take bus number 3 or number 11 and get off to the Pontiffroy stop. Cost of living: 15 euros per day, including breakfast. Hostel address: 1 allee de Metz-Plage, lle Chambiere.
3). Municipal camping - Quiet nice camping. Opening hours: open May-September. Camping location: Allee de Metz-Plage, lle Chambiere;
Metz landmarks
The city of Metz actually consists of two cities: the French quarters centered around the cathedral and the German city, which is part of the Germanization process that began after the Prussian occupation in 1870. German city features of the Teutonic style, which is in many ways elegant and majestic. The railway station sets the tone. A large and very impressive granite building from 1870 in the Rhine Romanesque style. It looks like an eccentric cross, located between the hunting lodges of Scottish landowners and the main tower.
Its enormous size perfectly demonstrates German long-term strategic plans: it was supposed to be used as a foothold for the German military transport system in subsequent wars with the French. The building of the station is similar in style to the post office opposite, as well as to some imposing bourgeois buildings and apartments in the surrounding streets. This quarter was intended to serve as the main model for the city's layout, and also to contrast well with the squalid, impoverished Latin mess of the adjacent French streets, which begin 5 minutes' walk north of Place de la Republique.
Place de la Republique is the main parkland, with a large number of shops and cafes in the east, army barracks in the south and the official esplanade gardens, overlooking the Moselle in the west. On the right, there is a beautiful classic Palace of Justice, built of the yellow stone characteristic of the city. On the left, a gravel road leads past the old arsenal, now converted into a prestigious concert hall postmodern architect Ricardo Bofil. The arsenal building stretches to the Saint-Pierre-au-Nenne church, which claims to be one of the most oldest churches in France. Nearby is another historic building - the 13th century Templar Chapel.
At the north end of Place de la Republique, rue des Clercs cuts through the attractive, lively and mostly pedestrianized heart of the old town, where most shops ... Passing place St-Jacques with its many cafés on terraces, you will arrive at the 18th century Place d'Armes, dominated by the towers of the Gothic cathedral of Saint Etienne. The church church is known for having the third highest nave in France, after the cathedrals in Beauvais and Amiens, but its main distinguishing feature is, undoubtedly, stained glass windows, both medieval and modern, including Chagall's stained glass in the northern part of the cathedral.
At a short distance from it, up the rue de Jardins, there is the main museum complex of the city - the Museum of the Golden Court (Musees de la Cour d'Or - 2 rue Haut-Poirier). It houses a treasure trove of Gallo-Roman sculpture, but it also features models of local architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. In the 1930s, when the complex was expanding, the remains of Roman baths were discovered here, which are now the most interesting exhibits of museums.
To enjoy the cityscape as much as possible and choose best view to the cathedral, go down the embankment and go to the Ile de la Comedie, where you will see the 18th century square, Metz Opera House (Opera-Theater de Metz Metropole is the oldest in France) and a rather striking Protestant church that was built during the German occupation. The oldest and equally beautiful square is place St-Louis, with its gothic arcades. It is located about 10 minutes' walk east of the cathedral along En-Fournirue street.
Climbing the hill of the Holy Cross (Ste Croix), owned by the Lombard bankers who began managing the city's finances in the 13th century, take a walk through the Italian-style streets. Continuing east from place des Paraigues, at the end of rue An Furniru, down rue des Allemands, you will see Gate of the Germans (Porte des Allemands) - massive fortified double gates that once blocked the eastern entrances to the medieval city.
After a long, tiring day, you can easily find a pleasant café or bar to unwind. Sadovaya Street (rue des Jardins) has several interesting clothing, music, antique and souvenir shops. And at night the cathedral and others attractions illuminated, which decorates and makes the walk more enjoyable.
Where to eat and drink in Metz
Metz has no shortage of cafe , especially in the Place Saint Jacques, which are popular with both locals and tourists. Several good restaurants are located in the old town. For a drink in the evening, visit bar , club or cafes with music, which abound in the city.
Metz Restaurants
1). Restaurant De l`Abreuvoir - Located next to place St-Louis. Comfortable, noisy and prestigious establishment with a typical French atmosphere with simple but good food and wine list (andulet and Lorraine casserole for about 8 euros per dish). Restaurant address: 8 rue de l`Abreuvoir;
2). La Fleur de Lys Restaurant - The charming restaurant, located between the cathedral and the river, offers a traditional french cuisine and great service. The menu changes from time to time. A set of dishes from 18.50 euros. Opening hours: closed on Saturdays for lunch and Sundays. Restaurant address: 5 rue des Piques;
3). Du Pont St-Marcel Restaurant - Building of the 17th century, located on the island. The restaurant specializes in excellent local cuisine and the staff is dressed in regional attire. A set of dishes: 18-28 euros. Eels and young piglets are sold, as well as wines from the Moselle Valley. Opening hours: closed on Sunday evenings and Mondays. Restaurant address: 1 rue du Pont-St-Marcel, island of Chambiere;
4). Le Relais des Tanneurs Restaurant - An unparalleled restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. A large number of delicacies: oysters, shells and veal; set of dishes: 10-25 euros, meals ordered separately about 18.50 euros, dish of the day 6.50-10 euros. Opening hours: closed on Sundays 1-15 August. Restaurant address: 2 bis rue des Tanneurs, at the end of rue En-Fournirue;
5). Des Roches Restaurant - Superbly located by the river, this old-fashioned restaurant serves traditional dishes (from 13 euros), including selected fish dishes. Opening Hours: closed on Sunday and Monday evenings. Restaurant address: 29 rue des Roches;
6). Restaurant a la Ville de Lyon - Located behind the cathedral. This restaurant specializes in the best traditional cuisine. There is a rather formal atmosphere here, and jeans are not suitable for this establishment. A set of dishes from 30 euros. Opening hours: closed on Mondays and Sunday evenings in August. Restaurant address: 7 rue des Piques.
Cafes and bars in Metz
1). Cafe Jehanne d`Arc - Located 15 minutes walk northwest of the Armory Square. This cafe is decorated in a medieval style and has appropriate music. Every Thursday in the summer in the evenings, jazz concerts are held here in the park. Opening hours: open until 2.00-3.00 am. Cafe address: Place Jeanne d`Arc;
2). Cafe Mathis - An old cafe located in the garden of the Saint-Genet chapel, opposite the house where Rabelais stayed. Opening hours: closed on Sundays. Cafe address: 72 rue En-Fournirue;
3). Comedie Cafe - Student cafe bar with games and TV. Opening hours: open daily until 2 am. Cafe address: Quai Vautris. From the theater, directly across the Pont-des-Roches;
4). Cafe Les Trinitaires - Jazz, rock, folk music and chanson sound here. It is located in the basement and is decorated in a Gothic style. Live music starts at 21.00. Opening hours: closed on Sundays and Mondays. Cafe address: 10-12 rue des Trinitaires, which is in the north of the Place Ste-Croix, opposite the Jeanne d'Arc cafe;
French Metz Is a very ancient city located in Lorraine. Metz, is the capital of the Moselle department. The city has a venerable age: it already existed in the third century BC, when Celtic tribes settled there, and later belonged to the Romans, who called it "Divodurum". By 511, a completely new state appeared on the territory of the settlement - "Austrasia" - part of the Frankish kingdom, Metz became its capital. When the empire of the Franks collapsed, in 843, Metz withdrew to the Middle Kingdom, headed by the sovereign Lothar I, and when he died, he was succeeded by his son, Lothar II, who formed the Duchy of Lorraine.
But the story of the change of the rulers of Metz did not end there. In the sixteenth century, when the Thirty Years War ended, the city of Metz became part of France, however, in the period from 1871 to 1918, he again managed to visit part of Germany. But at the end of the First World War, the French again seized power here, until 1940, when the Germans recaptured Metz again, for four years. Until now, arriving in Metz, it is difficult to decide which features are more in it: French or German? The constant change of government could not but affect the urban architecture, culture and local traditions. There are many historical monuments and sights - ancient and quite modern, for every taste. This is probably what attracts many tourists to the French city of Metz. The city is incredibly beautiful in itself, it's nice to stroll along its well-groomed streets, imagining yourself in the Middle Ages. So, which places are worth visiting in Metz and which sights are worth seeing here?
- this building on the island of Chambier in the city of Metz, has a thousand-year history. The very first chapel appeared here, back in the tenth century, and a little later, thanks to the efforts of the local bishop Theodoric the First, a monastery arose here to house the relics of two Catholic saints - Vincent and Lucia, who were martyred for the Christian faith. These relics were brought to Metz from Italy. During her lifetime, Lucia was famous for being able to heal the sick, therefore, after death, countless suffering pilgrims rushed to her remains. Saint Lucie became the heavenly patroness for the poor as well. After thirty years of its existence, the Abbey of Saint Vincent became the main center of education for the Duchy of Lorraine. The monastery began to expand and build. Work on its reconstruction was carried out for several centuries, but with the advent of the Great French Revolution, the creative period for it ended, and a series of destruction began: until 1803, a stable was placed in the old church, part of the abbey was transferred under the Faber Lyceum, a tobacco factory, a quartermaster and other organizations. Then the temple was returned to the bosom of the church, but only it, and the other buildings of the abbey remained occupied by third-party institutions. In the nineteenth century, the church was decorated with stained glass windows, the work of the master Laurent-Charles Morechal, a resident of Metz, in addition, the interior was decorated with sculptures of Saints Vincent and Lucius, as well as graceful bas-reliefs depicting scenes from their righteous lives.
- was built many centuries ago. It is difficult to say the exact date of its construction, but it is known from written sources that already in the middle of the fifth century the Saint-Etienne Chapel not only existed, but was also active, and also, it was able to survive after the predatory raid of the Hun tribe. Under the modern building of the temple, excavations were carried out in the twentieth century, and archaeologists have discovered the ruins of an ancient religious building, buildings of the eighth century. It is clear that over the years of its existence, the temple has been reconstructed and modified more than once. Thanks to the next improvement, the temple acquired a new forty-meter nave, which made the Cathedral of Metz one of the most prominent religious buildings in France in terms of the height of the nave. The guides tell an interesting legend about the founding of the Metz Cathedral. It turns out that this grandiose and impressive building was the result of a deal between the architect and the devil, who was promised the soul of the architect, for helping to build the most amazing temple. But the cunning master was able to deceive the evil, and save his soul. The cathedral of the city of Metz, the locals often call - "The Lord's Lamp", because it is a very bright building, and all because of the huge area of \u200b\u200bits stained glass windows, occupying six and a half thousand square meters. The stained glass windows of Saint-Etienne Cathedral are unique, they were created from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries. In addition, the interiors of the temple are decorated with nineteen paintings collected from pieces of colored glass - this is the work of the great artist Marc Chagall. By the way, in the cathedral is buried the architect who was able to deceive the Devil himself - Pierre Pera, and one of the authors of the ancient stained-glass windows - the master Erman Munster, who died in the distant thirteenth century.
- stands in historic center the city of Metz, next to the Moselle embankment. This is the oldest religious building in France. The fact is that the church stands on the foundations of an earlier building, erected during the Roman Empire, in 370 AD. There was a gymnasium - "palestra", located in a complex of thermal baths - traditional Roman baths. But, when nuns moved to these lands, spreading Christianity in pagan lands, the antique building was converted into a religious building. From the seventh century, it became part of the Benedictine abbey. Of course, this abbey was rebuilt, supplemented with new architectural elements, which was completely destroyed during the siege of Metz in 1552. The ancient building ceased to be a bearer of a sacred purpose, as it was converted into warehouses and a military arsenal, which it was in the next four centuries, until in the twentieth century archaeological excavations and further restoration work were carried out here. By the seventies, the old Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnin was opened to tourists, though never returned to its possession. catholic church... Now it houses a concert and exhibition hall. Ancient architectural complex: the church and its courtyard - the cloister, became "Historical Monument of France" and were taken under state protection.
This is all that has been preserved in the Lorraine city of Metz from the buildings of the "Order of the Knights Templar", which worked here since 1133. The church building was built from 1180 to 1220, in a mixed architectural style: Romanesque and Gothic. In 1556, a large complex of buildings of the "Order of the Knights Templar" was destroyed, leaving only a small chapel. It was converted into a warehouse for gunpowder and ammunition. The church is a small octagonal building with a separate room for choirs. Tall Romanesque windows are located along the diameter of the chapel. The interior of the church is austere and restrained, but here you can see the original wall painting of the fourteenth century, partially preserved. The dome of the building was painted only in the nineteenth century. The wall frescoes were restored in 1905 and beautiful stained glass windows were created at the same time. And since 1840, the building was given the status of "Monument to the History of France". And already being such a monument, the "Templar Chapel" of Metz from 1882 to 1957 worked as a military telegraph station. Now there is an exhibition hall.
- these are beautiful architectural structures of Metz, and their dissonant name appeared due to the fact that in the thirteenth century the local bishop signed a decree that all dying citizens write a will to transfer their best clothes to the orphanage of St. Nicholas. Part of the money raised from the sale of things went to the maintenance of the first bridge. And the second bridge, although it appeared much later, received the same name.
- is part of the complex of the former seven-kilometer medieval fortifications of the French city of Metz. More precisely, what has survived from them to this day. "German Gate" with a fragment of the fortress wall from 1966 - "Historical Monument" of Metz. The very first buildings - two round towers connected by an arch - appeared on this place as early as 1230. Two centuries later, the fortifications were improved, a bridge appeared here, the structure was increased in size. During the Second World War, the bridge adjacent to the gate was destroyed, but then rebuilt again. "German Gate" became a museum, where the exposition is archaeological finds, documents, old images of the city of Metz, coins, other exhibits, including the guillotine used for its intended purpose during the French Revolution.
A popular walking and meeting place in Metz. The square originated in the eighteenth century, now it is a symbol of the city and a place for solemn military parades, holidays and other entertainment events. There are many beautiful old buildings on the square: the City Hall, the Cathedral of Saint Etienne, the former Palace of the Bishops, where the farmers' market is located today.
the main pedestrian square Metz, with a travel restriction for motorists. This place is very interesting for historians, as in ancient times there were fortifications of the ancient Roman city. Since the eighth century, the square was chosen by merchants and money changers, settling here, gradually they formed a whole city quarter, called "Commercial", according to the specifics of the work of its inhabitants. And in honor of Saint Louis, the square was named after a statue of King Louis III, who united Lorraine with France, was installed in its center. True, after the installation of this statue, the locals stubbornly insisted that it, nevertheless, depicts Louis the Ninth Saint - another French king who, as you know, died during the Crusade in Tunisia. To eliminate the discrepancy, a statue of this king was also erected in the local square. And nowadays, there is a lively trade on the Place Saint-Louis, here tourists can buy a variety of souvenirs.
- is considered the best theater in Lorraine, second only to the theater of the city of Nancy, which has the status of "National Opera". The Metz Theater is the oldest opera in France and Europe, one of the most beautiful in the country. The opera house was created by order of the Governor of Metz-Duke de Belle-Ile. He set aside a wetland on the island of Petit Solsi for construction. The soil was drained, and the island was connected to the city by four bridges. The construction of the opera began in 1732 and continued construction for twenty years, opening it in 1752 with a grand ball. The capacity of the auditorium was one and a half thousand people. When the French Revolution came, the square in front of Opera House"The guillotine was" decorated ", after which the witty French nicknamed this place -" The Island of Equality ". The theater building in 1930 received the status of "Monument of architecture of France". In the eighties of the last century, it underwent a major restoration and acquired some changes in its appearance.
- City Museum of Modern Art - the largest in France, except for the Parisian museums. But there is no own permanent exhibitionbecause it is a branch of the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris. Twice a year, this museum hosts a new exhibition of works by famous artists of the twentieth century. The museum began working in May 2010, and its unusual building was built within four years. The project was developed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Bana, who embodied in his brainchild some features of Chinese art, for example, the shape of the roof of the building is similar to a Chinese straw headdress. The museum has three exhibition galleries, and the rest of the buildings are occupied by workshops, cafes, conference rooms.
Museum "Golden Court" - the main museum complex of Metz, occupying several buildings, where the Church and Monastery of the Carmelites used to stand, as well as a grain warehouse. The Golden Courtyard Museum was opened in 1839. Most of his collection is dedicated to history and archeology: ritual and everyday exhibits, from the time of the Gauls and Romans; sculptures and sarcophagi from the period of the Merovingian dynasty; architectural fragments of the Temple of St. Peter - slabs with biblical images from the Middle Ages. In the museum you will see parts of old residential buildings, ancient religious buildings, historical furniture, parts of interior decorations, works visual arts European artists.
Ancient city Lorraine Metz - located on the border of three european states: France, Germany, Luxembourg. Here you can clearly feel the traces of the presence of the French, Germans, Italians, and numerous sights, built over many centuries, make the city of Metz - one huge architectural pearl of France, attracting tourists from all over the world. There are a lot of picturesque embankments, stretching as much as thirty-six kilometers. By the way, the city of Metz is one of the greenest in the country, so it is very pleasant to be here admiring the beautiful architecture, getting acquainted with the rich culture and delicious cuisine of Lorraine.
Metz has been one of the main religious centers in France since ancient times. It is known that Bishop Gregory of Tours mentioned that after the destruction of Metz by the Huns on April 7, 451, only the chapel of St. Stephen, built on the site of an ancient sanctuary, survived.
The history of the cathedral is rooted in the past. From sources of the VIII century it is known that Bishop Khrodegang organized the construction on the territory of the ancient sanctuary - it was during this period that several parts of the temple were erected. In 869 the church was crowned by Charles II. In 965-984, the cathedral was reconstructed at the expense of Kings Otto I and Otto II.
During archaeological excavations carried out in the twentieth century, it was established that the modern cathedral stands almost exactly on the site of an ancient basilica. And in 1220 it was decided to build a large cathedral in Metz in honor of St. Stephen. Since then, six construction periods have passed, and the duration of the work was almost 300 years. The consecration of the new cathedral took place on April 11, 1552.
St. Stephen's Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Its facades are decorated with sculptures and carvings. Due to its size, the cathedral is one of the largest in France. However, its main attraction is the luxurious stained glass windows of the 14th and 16th centuries - it is here that the largest collection of stained glass windows in France is located. Among them are 19 stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Esplanade
The Esplanade de Metz is an urban garden located in Metz to the west of the Metz Center quarter on the site where there were ancient defensive ditches, filled up in 1816 during urban planning. Near the Esplanade are the Palace of Justice, the Templar Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the School of Fine Arts.
Beautiful avenues of lindens and chestnuts surround the picturesque central part garden with flowering flower beds and a fountain. The esplanade is decorated with sculptures by artists - representatives of the Metz school: the Naiad and the statue of Marshal Ney, the bronze horse of the famous Christoph Fraten. There is also a sculpture of Paul Verlaine and the Soldier-Liberator, hero of the First World War.
Esplanade is not just a beautiful garden for walking, but a historically important place in the city, as well as a playground where an active cultural life... In February-March, the Foire de Carnaval fair is held here, and in the summer - the É t du Livre literary festival. At the end of summer, the Esplanade celebrates the Mirabelle plum, the real symbol of Metz. In winter, a Christmas market is set up here and the skating rink is filled.
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Moselle river
The Moselle River flows through Luxembourg, Germany and France. Its length reaches five hundred and forty-four kilometers. The area of \u200b\u200bthe Moselle river basin is 28286 square kilometers. This body of water takes its origin on the slopes of the Ballon de Alsace hill. Below it passes through a narrow, deep and winding valley. Near the city of Koblenz, the river flows into the Rhine. The main tributaries of the river are Aviera, Ruver and Saar.
Usually from November to March floods often occur on the Moselle.
The following large settlements: Trier, Koblenz, Metz and Nancy.
The Moselle is almost entirely navigable.
Several locks and hydroelectric power plants have been built on the river. The reservoir is crossed by the Rhine-Marne canal, and also has an eastern canal connection with the Sonne river.
The Moselle Valley is considered to be a winemaking site. It is the oldest wine region in France. Most of the products made here are exported.
The German gate is the only fragment of the city fortifications of Metz that has survived to this day. On December 3, 1966, they were included in the list of historical monuments. Once the gate, equipped with towers and battlements, was part of a stone bridge over the Sel River. The gate got its name in honor of the knights of the Teutonic Order, whose hospital was located nearby.
The construction of city fortifications began here in 1230, and in 1445 a gate was erected to control traffic on the bridge, which consisted of two round towers, the architectural appearance of which was quite strict, devoid of a large number of decorative elements, excluding a small number of zoomorphic images. Only this part of the fortress wall has survived to this day, the total length of which reached seven kilometers, and the thickness was 3.5 meters. An inscription of the 16th century has been preserved on the arch, which has preserved the mention of the initiators of the construction and the architect.
Metz railway station building
The Metz railway station building is one of the landmarks of Metz.
The building was erected in 1905-1908 in the neo-Romanesque style by a team of assistants led by the Berlin architect Jurgen Kroeger. The building is over 300 meters long. Central place occupies a 40-meter clock tower, which is built from a variety of building materials, not just traditional oolitic limestone. Since 1909, the tower has been converted into baths for station workers.
Since 1975, the station has been officially recognized as a historical monument. The facade of the building has been in excellent condition to this day. In the train departure hall and the old station buffet, all the old interior decoration is present.
Cathedral of Saint Etienne
The Cathedral of Saint Etienne is considered the pride of Metz. Since 1930 it has been declared a historical monument. The cathedral is one hundred twenty three meters long and forty two meters high. It is no coincidence that it is considered the third largest cathedral in all of France.
The Cathedral was built for several centuries. Back in the fifth century, a chapel was built in this place in honor of the first Christian martyr Stephen. And only this building was spared by the Huns, who plundered the entire city a few years later.
The Cathedral of Saint Etienne is also famous for the fact that in 869 the coronation of Charles II took place within its walls. In 1220 the chapel was rebuilt into a cathedral. However, it acquired its modern appearance in the eighteenth century according to the plan of the architect Jacques-Francois Blondel.
The building of the cathedral is made of oolitic limestone. Therefore, its walls have a golden yellow tint. The cathedral contains picturesque stained-glass windows, the creation of which dates back to the 13-20 centuries.
Temple Neuf Church
The Temple Neuf Church is a landmark in the city of Metz, and more specifically in the southwestern part of Petit Souci.
The Protestant temple was erected in 1903 by the German architect Konrad Wan in the neo-romantic style. The prototype of the temple was the Romanesque Speyer Cathedral, which was the tomb of the German-Roman emperors. As the main building material Wang identified a gloomy gray Vosges sandstone. The church was consecrated in 1904. Kaiser Wilhelm II himself was present at the consecration of the church.
A cozy garden is laid out near the church - beautiful place for walking. In front of the church is the Comedy Square with a theater building, at the foot of which a guillotine was placed during the Revolution.
This church is now active. Local Protestants constantly gather here.
Middle bridge
Among the many monuments of architecture in Metz, one of the most famous are the Big and Middle Bridges of the Dead, connecting the island of Solsi with the central districts of the city. The Middle Bridge of the Dead is most often referred to simply as the Middle Bridge, simply because the wording is shorter. In fact, it is actually a continuation Big bridgefrom which he got his name.
The Big Bridge is much older than the Middle one, until the end of the 13th century it was made of wood, until in 1282 a decision was made to build a stone bridge. By 1343, its construction had already been completed. In 1312, construction began on the Middle Bridge. Nowadays, bridges are very popular with travelers, and their inspection is a must part of a visit to Metz.
