Metz Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Metz, France
Saint Stephen Cathedral dominates the city center with walls built from local pale limestone and features characteristic Gothic elements such as pointed arches and flying buttresses. The interior displays the typical Gothic spatial layout and vault patterns, where large windows along the facade play a major role in shaping the space inside.
Construction began in the early 13th century on a site where an ancient church from the 5th century had previously stood. The completion and consecration extended over several centuries, with the building undergoing structural and stylistic changes throughout this extended period.
The cathedral stands out in the city skyline with its pale yellow stone quarried nearby, serving as a spiritual center that has shaped the faith life of local residents for centuries.
Visitors can enter the interior during daylight hours and explore at their own pace without special equipment needed. It is helpful to allow time for wandering through the different areas, as the building contains many details worth seeing from various angles.
The building contains an extraordinary collection of stained glass created over many periods, displaying works by various artists from different eras. These window artworks span from early masters to modern artists of the 20th century.
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