Metz – France

Probably evey person sets priorities, goals and intentions  in everyones life.  Speaking about myself,   I am no exception.  Therefore I chose as the next station in my wanderings around the Europe city Metz, or  Méty in Slovak language. France is very close to me and  thats why I knew, that this place in the north-east, which is located in region Moselle at the confluence of two rivers: Moseille and Seille. Its history is up to ancient world, so thats why I was sure I will never bore there.

 

„France is very close to me“

 

The name is derived from Gauslish tribe Merovingian. After the conquest of the city by Romans, it became under the name Divodorum Mediomatricorum, one of prominent cities of Gallia. The boom was supported mainly by the export of wine, which enduranced untill the fifth century, when the Attil’s armies depredated it. About the rich history sais the fact, thah many important dynasties functioned there and also were the capital city of the kingdom. Nowadays it is one of the greenest cities of the world and is typical for its architecture from the yellow calcite.

 

Metz

 

In the train station is no problem to get a map of the world and so you can go on a small excursion. It is situated circa 20 minutes from the historical centre by foot. There is also a local transport, but if it is possible, I rather take a walk and see the other parts of town, which I don’t find in guide books and maybe i will find out more about the aboriginals, how they live, behave and react. Thereby the line to the centre is often longer for me but it is very positive for me. After all, the autumn Metz won’t be a bad choice.

 

The first part of the town, which I choosed was Arsenal.

It is a modern park with many fountains. During summer there are many concerts and public events. While the visit of the city Metz was planned apart from the season, the excursion was little bit more complicated, while some parts were being reconstructed and towards them was also this park with the square. Luckily this is quite close to the church Saint Martin. The architecture of this majestic church from the first moment shows to every visitor how unique this building is. It’s built from huge stone blocks, which make very delightful stir, mostly in warm summer months. It is pity that we don’t know the exact age of its birth. During its existence, there were many reconstructions and it definitely worths to visit this place.

 

„Clasic french shops under the urban houses could tell many interesting stories.“

 

The church is right next to the square Place Saint-Louis. Wandering in these places is like travelling in time. Clasic french shops under the urban houses could tell many interesting stories. Today they serve not just to efficient businessmen and shop assistants, which have their own shops here with different kind of things from any kind of food to clothes and jewellery, you can also find there wine cellars, in which many french men spent a lot of time in times when our fathers were playing in the cradle.  This square is a place for fun, because during the year it is full of many booths, children carrousels and crowded terraced, from where we can hear not only french language.

 

„we can hear not only french language“

 

I have oriented according to map and faced to the local synagogue. However it was hidden behind high wall and buildings, so I almost didn’t see anything. Fortunately I met a beautiful church. Between narrow streets full of mostly onefloored houses with old, but well-preserved window blinds, till on Rue Marchant, where there was high Englise Sainte Ségolène.

 

Windows of the Cathedral Saint Etienne

 

Easily I was closer to the biggest monument of the town, which is expressly cathedral  St.Etienne built in 1220. Local inhabitants also call it the lucerne of good God. The cathedral has not only the biggest glass-covered area (6500m²), but it owns also the biggest gotic windows  in Europe. It’s one of the highest cathedrals in France. Right next to it is small local market. As soon as I see on my journeys home „Mercádo“  I am like a beast feeling his victim. Of course it was not other, and this market became my priority over all the monuments. The atmosphere, which this market influences me is unique. The play of colours, smells and flavours, that blend in every step, is even electrizing. Enter this kind of church and not try anything is for me, like to slobber an unpacked chocolatte. With camembert from Normandy, fresh baguette and american smile I satisfiedly made a cathedral visit.

 

From the bridge Pont Moyen is breathtaking view on the Le Tempe Neuf de Metz.

It is a church built in time when the town was violently separated from France and incorporated to Germany. This all was just because the world could see German politics and architecture. Next to this building almost every person has to stop and have a look. The scenery like from the travel magazine. Green island Petit saucy with a small church contrasting in a river, in which the swans are carelessly swimming. Behind it, there is other building that is worth to see. Place de la Comédie from 18. century is a square in front of the city theatre with opera-house. From this point we can see many monuments, so that is place designet for short relax. In the past it was the place for french and german fights, but todays it’s the symbol for friendship between both nations.

 

Le Tempe Neuf de Metz-z pod mosta Pont Moyen

 

„the symbol for friendship between both nations“

 

Through the street Rue du Pont Saint-Marcat I slowly got into the showing L’ancien temple de garnison. This building is also the memory of times, when this place was controlled by german armies. Ceremonialy it was opened in 1881 and was assigned mostly to soldiers. In the long term it belonged to problematic buildings, because it was higher than the cathedral St.Etienne. Main part of this building burned in 1946 and now there is only a tower. However people don’t conspue it, exactly contra. Domestics really love it. This was the last monument, that was pointed in my map. Till the bus leaving I had still 2 hours, that’s why I decided that I will change my way back to train station. I wanted to see again how the aboriginals live there. For someone it is maybe clasic, but I see always something different, because the right flavour of the town I smell only when I see how the domestics behave, not the turists.

 

L'ancien temple de garnison

 

The curiosity of this town is the fact that in 1908 ened in Metz one of the era of popular Tour de France and as the city belonged to Germany at that time, it was the first foreign tour on bicycle. From Metz originate many famous people, which were not even born there, but also acted there. The most significant was Jean – François Pilâtre de Rozier (1754 – 1785), which was one of the first fare on the air balloon.

 

Place de la Comédie

 

As one anonymous slovak singer would say: Yes for me! Thereby I have the visit of Metz in my mind. It is not the typical factory for tourists, like e.g. Paris. This place definitely has something to offer. The city where all the historical facts were blending from the ancient times is definitely worth to visit…

 

…Bon Voyage

 

You can check out more photos from Metz in Gallery