Paris1972-Versailles2003

I would like to tell you again due to new pictures found in my cd rom vault about the Cathédrale Saint Etienne,  Metz is in the department of the Moselle no 57 ,region of the Grand Est in my belle France. The Cathedral  has the largest stained glass surface, nearly 6 500 m2, but also the one that presents the largest Gothic glass windows in Europe ! It is colloquially dubbed the “lantern of the Good God”. Even though it is one of the ten most visited Cathedrals in France it does not have the recognition of many still. Its vault, which culminates 41 meters above the ground at the nave level, also makes the Saint Stephen Cathedral one of the highest cathedrals in France. Therefore, here is my take again on the Cathédrale Saint Etienne of Metz, part II !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The Cathédrale Saint Etienne has the peculiarity of not having a harmonious façade  in the manner of the other great Gothic cathedrals of France. It is thanks to this singular façade that was possible the realization of the large canopy. So the cathedral has only one gate on its main façade. The first three bays of the nave of the cathedral are those of Notre-Dame-la-Ronde whose axis is perpendicular to that of Saint-Étienne and the attentive visitor will note, according to Gothic architectural canons, the main portal of this church, its apse and its high altar of the second span, while the first and third spans serve as aisles to this curious old configuration in the former church (ND Ronde). The other church, included the rest of the surface of the Cathedral, its choir and transept had been preserved until 1440, its nave had been destroyed at the beginning of the construction of the Cathedral in the 13C.

In 1412, it was decided to install a bell, on the south tower of the Cathedral, then under construction. The bell named the Mutte as per the Tour de Mutte weighs 11 tons and measures 2.32 meters in diameter as well as been 80 meters with the spire is 93 meters high. Finally, the last overhaul took place in 1605. The Mutte only sounded in the event of enemy attacks, fires, very big festivals. It rang on the fly for the last time in 1918 during the victory of the French in WWI. However, a work campaign between 2009 and 2015 enabled the Belfry and the bell to be rehabilitated and it could ring again on the fly since 26 June 2015. The Tour du Châpitre or tower of the chapter, located opposite the Mutte tower, rises to 69 meters just above the Saint-Étienne gate. Unlike the Mutte tower, it does not have an arrow. The lower part was built in the 13C and the upper part from 1840 to 1843. A monumental crucifix   measuring 5.20 meters was done in 1894.Inside the tower are five bells including my favorites the Grosse Marie, dating from the 17C, the Catherine, dating from the Renaissance but recast in 1890.

The Episcopal treasure, which contains remarkable pieces, such as the ivory bishops of the 12C and 13C, the episcopal ring of Saint Arnoul, pieces of goldsmith from the 12C to the 19C. The equestrian statuette known as Charlemagne and kept at the Louvre museum (again!), comes from the treasure of the Cathedral. This gilded bronze statue, dating largely from the 9C, is probably the grandson of Charlemagne, Charles the Bald. Several outstanding manuscripts are also from the Treasury: the Sacramentary of Drogon, the Bible of Charles the Bald, the Psalter of Charles the Bald as well as various precious Khitrovo, including the Gospels of Metz and the Gospels of Drogon.

The official Cathedral St Stephens of Metz: http://cathedrale-metz.fr/

The Catholic Diocese of Mets on the Cathedral: https://metz.catholique.fr/les-lieux-diocesains/la-cathedrale-saint-etienne/

The city of Metz on the Cathedral (see nice 360 degrees video): https://metz.fr/lieux/lieu-42.php

The Metz tourist office on the Cathedral : https://www.tourisme-metz.com/en/page/838150669-st-stephen-s-cathedral

There you go folks, another splendid St Stephens’ Cathedral that is a must to be seen by all; just alone worth the trip to Metz; and of course ,plenty more there. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Cathédrale Saint Etienne de Metz, part II !!! as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!