Metz Cathedral
- Ideal for solo
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Why go
- 6,496 square metres of stained glass—the world’s largest expanse—give the cathedral its nickname, “the Good Lord’s lantern.”
- A 41.41-metre nave, the third-highest among French cathedrals.
- Orange, red and green pigment traces reveal the Portal of the Virgin’s originally colourful sculpture.
- The treasury holds sacred vestments and objects used for the Eucharist.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 12:30, 13:45 – 17:45Show all
Don't miss
- The western rose windowHermann von Münster made the window, completed in 1392.West facade
- The Portal of the VirginIts sculptures show episodes from Mary’s life and her crowning by Christ.South side, facing Place d’Armes
- The west portal tympanumThe Last Judgement scene places Christ between figures representing the Church and the Synagogue. Four four-metre statues depict Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.West portal
- The David and Bathsheba windowMarc Chagall designed this stained-glass window, installed in 1965.Bay 91965
- The sundial angelAn angel holds a sundial and Metz’s coat of arms, dated 1504.Tower of the Horloge1504
Know before you go
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00–12:30 and 13:45–17:45; Sunday, 13:45–17:45.
Interesting facts4
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1605
La Mutte’s present municipal bell was cast in 1605 and weighs 11,000 kilograms.
Metz Cathedral - Wikipedia -
La Mutte warned of fires and approaching enemies and marked important civic events.
Metz Cathedral - Wikipedia -
The unusually short choir stands twelve steps above the transept because of the terrain beneath the cathedral.
Metz Cathedral - Wikipedia -
The west portal’s Daniel statue originally bore Emperor William II’s features.
Metz Cathedral - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
- 5th century–584A church dedicated to Saint Stephen stood here by the 5th century; Gregory of Tours recorded it in 584.
- 13th centuryConstruction of the Gothic cathedral began within the earlier basilica’s foundations.
- Mid-14th centuryThe cathedral was joined to the collegiate church of Notre-Dame.
- 1487–1520Work on the transept and chevet continued.
- 11 April 1552The cathedral was consecrated.
Show all
- 1877Fireworks celebrating Kaiser Wilhelm I’s visit caused a major roof fire.
- 1903The current west portal was completed.
How to get there
- BusThe cathedral stands on Place d’Armes. Bus N83 stops there.
- TramMettis A and B stop at République. The cathedral’s address is 2 Place de Chambre.
- ParkingPaid parking is beneath the covered market, near the cathedral.
Sources: Metz Cathedral - Wikipedia · La cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz · Kathedrale von Metz - Wikipedia · Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026
- Phone
- 03 87 36 12 01
Questions and answers
Are guided visits available at Metz Cathedral?
The cathedral association and Metz Tourist Office arrange guided tours for groups. The association also offers visits covering the cathedral, crypt and treasury.
Can non-Catholics visit Metz Cathedral?
Yes. This Catholic place of worship welcomes believers and non-believers.
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