Metz Sights and Landmarks Guide, France

Metz is the capital of the region called Lorraine. It is located on the Eastern shore of the Moselle River, close to Autoroute de L’Est which makes the connection between Paris and Strasbourg.

Metz Sights- Main Attractions

Although the main attraction is its fabulous cathedral, Metz is not a boring city, baring in mind its northern location and its commercial past. Metz really deserves its name of Garden City, as it is covered in flowers, colored-stone buildings and the waters of the Moselle River, which all together create an attractive landscape. The University which was built here in the 1970s is mostly responsible for the vivid life of the city.

Saint Etienne Cathedral is a really impressive establishment which has a view towards the river and the city. When you get inside you will be impressed by its height and by its stained glass windows. It possesses the greatest surface of stained glass windows in France, about 6500 m2. It has a vault, suspended at 41 m above the ground. Its nave was built in the 13th century and the Romanesque church was jointed to it in the 14th century.

During these eight centuries the cathedral was modified, nowadays being a neo-gothic construction. The famous 20th century artist, Marc Chagall created 19 stained glass windows for the cathedral. Visitors will find here the tomb of Hermann of Munster, the one who created the 11 m rosette. The mythical dragon who was supposed to haunt the city is also said to have been buried here.

The Place d’Armes is situated next to the cathedral and its presence is emphasized by the four buildings that surround it. These were especially created to show the equality between the four powers: religion – the cathedral – army – it was transformed to an information point -, government – the town hall – and justice – the court. It was built in the 18th century and its classical architecture indicates the military force of that century. The two trophies which adorn the establishment reinforce this martial symbol.

Metz Sights- Other Attractions

The Covered Market is among important Metz sights situated opposite the cathedral and it used to be the bishop’s palace. Nowadays it has become a market where people buy cheese meat and other local specialties.

Les Trinitaires used to be a convent established by the religious order of the Trinitaires, situated on a part of the famous Golden Court of the kings of Austrasie. For the past 30 years, this was a place that jointed jazz, rock, traditional and classical music and theatre. It is a cultural place which offers from Tuesdays to Sundays a range of activities that take place in the small theatre, in its bars, in the exhibition halls, in the clubs, in the chapel and in the monastery.

Metz is a city which has a musical vitality, being the place of birth of Gregorian music. It offers its visitors a unique, unforgettable experience and the preservation of its legendary and cultural past makes it worth visiting at least once in a life time.