After visiting the beautiful Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church mentioned here, why not continue your tour of Le Marais with a second church visit? TheEglise Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, opposite theHôtel de Ville, is waiting to welcome you!
The Eglise Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais is famous for its different architectural styles, so that from one angle it appears to be a Gothic church, and from another, a classical one. Its impressive three-level façade, designed by Salomon de Brosse and Clément II Métezeau, is considered a masterpiece of French classicism, featuring the three orders of Greek architecture (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns).
These different architectural styles are due to the fact that theChurch of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais was built over 150 years ago! Begun in 1494 on the site of a 6th-century basilica, construction was not completed until 1657, and saw a succession of different architects and eras: inside, the choir vaults are in the flamboyant Gothic style; the 16th-century nave is Gothic; while the windows and stained glass are influenced by the Renaissance.
Inside, the building is richly decorated. Not to be missed is the beautifully decorated Chapelle de la Vierge, with its hanging keystone measuring 2.5 metres in diameter, and above all the magnificent stained-glass window La Sagesse de Salomon. Dating from 1531, it is in an incredible state of preservation.
Last but not least, in 1918, a German shell fell on the church during the service, killing almost a hundred worshippers. A memorial chapel was subsequently built in tribute to the victims.
Location
Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church
13 Rue des Barres
75004 Paris 4
Prices
Free
Official website
jerusalem.cef.fr
