Situated along the Moselle and Seille rivers is Metz, France, the capitol of Lorraine region, which is located in northern France at the tripoint of France, Germany, and Luxembourg. This is where my cousin lives and studies with Georiga Tech Lorraine.
The city has a rich history with a mix of French and German culture, and its historic city center is one of the largest commercial pedestrian areas in France. We spent the day exploring the top sights of the city! With such a rich history, and so close to two other countries, this city needs to be on your places to visit as you travel across Europe.
Saint-Étienne de Metz
Saint-Étienne de Metz, or the Metz Cathedral, is historic Roman Catholic church located only a few blocks off the Moselle River. Construction on this beautiful building began in 1220 and was completed in 1550. The cathedral has the largest nave, central aisle, in the world and the largest expanse of stained glass in the world with 69,920 sq ft, which attributed to the cathedral’s nickname la Lanterne du Bon Dieu or Good Lord’s Lantern. If you only visit one place in all of Metz, it should be the Saint-Étienne de Metz.
Porte des Allemands
Porte des Allemands is a 13th-century bridge castle and city gate located along the Seille River. It is also one of the last medieval bridge castles found in France.
Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains
Saint Pierre-aux-Nonnains, which is believed to be France’s oldest church, dates back to the 4th century. It originally served as a Roman gymnasium in the 380 AD as part of a spa complex. It was converted to a Benedictine nunnery in the 7th century AD.
Chapelle des Templiers de Metz
According to tradition, the Knights Templar who came to Metz in 1133 built the chapel between 1180 and 1220. It is the only example of a rotunda church existing in Lorraine today.
Temple Neuf de Metz
The Temple Neuf de Metz was constructed from 1901 to 1905, during a period when the region of Lorraine was controlled by Germany. The church is located on a small island in the Moselle River.
