Metz captivates with its centuries-old history and modern culture. The Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, with the largest stained glass windows in Europe, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the center of the city’s cultural life. Also worth visiting is the Basilica of St. Vincent and the ancient Roman aqueduct.
The modern face of the city is represented by the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a branch of the famous Parisian museum of modern art. Tourists are delighted with the magnificent architecture of the building.
The Seille Parks and Jean-Marie Pelt Gardens are green oases, perfect for strolling and relaxing. For history buffs, a walk through the Imperial Quarter – built in the late 19th century – is something not to be missed.
Centre Pompidou-Metz
The Center Pompidou-Metz, located between the Parc de la Seille and the train station in the rapidly developing amphitheater district, was one of the first modern buildings to be constructed there. Inaugurated in 2010, it resembles a Chinese hat made of woven bamboo and oiled paper, here represented by an 8,000 m² textile membrane.
Le Center Pompidou-Metz est un center d’art et de culture. Sur 10.000 m² de surface intérieure, 4 galeries sont dédiées à des expositions diverses liées à l’art moderne et contemporain.
Cathedral of St. Stephen
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the tallest Gothic buildings in Europe and its 6500 m² stained-glass window has earned it the nickname “Lantern of the Good Lord”.
It was built from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. Metz Cathedral is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Metz, the seat of the bishops of Metz.
German Gate
The Germans’ Gate (Porte des Allemands) is a medieval bridge castle and city gate in Metz. It is named after the Teutonic Knights, hospitaller brothers of Notre Dame des Allemands, who founded a hospital nearby in the 13th century. It has two original round towers and two gun bastions of the 15th century.
The Porte des Allemands is the most imposing surviving building of the medieval ramparts, both a double gate and a bridge over the Seille.
New Temple (Temple Neuf)
The New Temple in Metz is one of the most iconic monuments and a must-see for architecture and history buffs. Located on the island of Petit-Saulcy, in the middle of the Moselle River.
Built of dark sandstone, the Temple Neuf, or New Temple, stands out from the surrounding Jaumont limestone buildings.
Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains
The Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times. But in addition to this antiquity, this church is worth visiting for another reason: its presbytery.
In churches of the first centuries, the presbytery was a low wall that separated the celebrants at the altar from the faithful. It was carved in stone, was 1.10 m high, and consisted of twelve slabs and twenty-one pillars of white limestone.
Museum of La Cour d’Or
The museum’s collection is housed in a complex of buildings that includes parts of the medieval palace of the Austrasian kings, the Gallo-Roman baths, and a Carmelite church. This architectural amalgamation serves as a fitting backdrop for the various artifacts and artworks that are displayed within.
The journey through time begins with the archaeological section, where remnants of Metz’s Roman past are proudly exhibited. These pieces offer a window into the daily lives of those who walked these streets over two millennia ago.
Imperial Quarter of Metz
The Imperial Quarter of Metz is a district of the city of Metz. It is mainly represented by the “Imperial Triangle”, defined by the area between the water tower of the main train station, the church of Saint-Thérèse and the Serpenoise Gate.
But the district extends beyond this area, including other buildings of the same period, such as the Palais de Guerre, located on the Place Giraud, behind the Serpenoise Gate.
Covered market
The Metz Covered Market is a historic market with permanent stalls and shops in a large covered structure in the historical center of Metz.
The Covered Market is one of the oldest, most grandiose in France and is home to traditional local food producers and retailers. Do not hesitate to visit it and enjoy a traditional French shopping experience.
