Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains
The basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains in Metz, France, is one of the oldest churches in Europe. The building began life in the 4th century when Metz was an important Gallo-Roman city.[1]
| Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Town or city | Metz |
| Country | France |
History
The building belonged to one of several thermae (public baths complexes) which existed in Metz in Roman times.[2] Some sources describe it as having been a gymnasium. In the 7th century, the structure was converted into a church, becoming the chapel of a Benedictine nunnery. A new nave was constructed in the 11th century with further interior renovations.
In the 16th century Metz was besieged by the troops of Charles V and later was converted into an important garrison town by the French. The building became a warehouse, and remained so after being declared a historical monument in 1909. In the 1970s it was restored and opened for concerts and exhibitions.[3][4][5][6]
Burials
See also
References
- Haselgrove, C., J. Kunow. "Places: 108927 (Divodurum/Mettis)". Pleiades. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - "Guide to the Roman Metz". Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- Marie-Therese Baudry. Early Christian monuments of France.
- Heber-Suffrin Francis. Saint-Pierre-Aux-Nonnains.
- R. Will (1972). Étude archélogique et historique de Saint-Pierre aux Nonnains à Metz (Moselle).
- Xavier DeLeon (1988). Saint-Pierre-Aux-Nonnains: De l'époque romaine à l'époque gothique. Éditions Imprimerie Nationale (collection "Guides archéologiques de la France"). Paris. ISBN 2-11-081268-0.