Saint-Étienne Cathedral is the Gothic cathedral of Metz, close to the Moselle river and the old town. It holds about 6,500 m² of stained glass, one of the largest collections of its kind, and the windows span from medieval glassmakers to Marc Chagall. Locals call it the Lantern of God. Entry is free, and the interior is bright and calm. Look up at the nave, find the Chagall windows in the ambulatory, and come back after dark for the light shows on the facade.
From 1220 to the present
Work on the cathedral began in 1220 and continued for roughly three centuries, so the building combines Gothic design with glass from many later periods.
It is dedicated to Saint Stephen and serves as the seat of the bishops of Metz. The Catholic diocese dates back at least to the 4th century. The nickname Lantern of God refers to the glass that fills the walls and lets light into the building.
Inside the windows
The glass runs from the 13th century to the 20th. Medieval glassmakers made the early panels, and Marc Chagall designed the windows in the ambulatory, the walkway around the choir, where deep reds, golds and blues catch the light. The modern artist Jacques Villon also contributed windows.
The treasury is in the same ambulatory, so you can see the Chagall windows and the treasury on one circuit of the building.
The crypt and the Graoully
The 15th-century crypt holds a sculpture of the Graoully, a dragon said to have frightened pre-Christian Metz. The story is told as local legend, and it is one of the lesser-known details of the cathedral.
The crypt is worth a look after you have seen the upper church, since it shows the building's older layers.
The exterior and the stone
The cathedral is built in golden Jaumont stone, which keeps a warm glow even on grey days. Its lacy spires are visible across the city skyline.
Walk around the outside to see the carved figures. The west front has the Portal of Christ, the south side has the Portal of the Virgin Mary, and the northwest side has the Portal of Notre-Dame-La-Ronde. Many of the carvings tell stories from the Bible.
Evening light shows
After dark, mapping shows project light, music and visuals onto the facade. People gather around the building to watch, so arrive a little early to find a good spot.
Organ concerts and holiday events, including Christmas markets, are also held at the cathedral during the year. Check ahead to see what is on during your visit.
Getting there and planning
The cathedral is in the centre of Metz, close to the old town, with many cafés and restaurants nearby. Paid parking is available in a garage and a lot.
The entrance and the parking are wheelchair accessible, and public restrooms are available. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Metz Cathedral?
No. Entry to the cathedral is free, and you can explore both the inside and the outside.
How long do you need to visit?
Plan one to two hours. Allow more time if you want to walk around the exterior and see the crypt.
Are there light shows at night?
Yes. Mapping shows project light, music and visuals onto the facade after dark. Organ concerts and holiday events also take place at times.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking are wheelchair accessible.
