Culture of Metz. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Metz is famous for its amazing historical monuments, many of which are now of state significance. The most famous is the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, one of the most beautiful and largest Gothic architectural monuments in Europe. The construction of the cathedral took more than a hundred years and was fully completed in 1380. The length of its nave is 42 meters. Over time, the cathedral has managed to preserve many pristine architectural elements. It attracts travelers with its skillful stained-glass windows, ancient sculptures, and artworks. The facade of the cathedral is decorated with unique sculptural reliefs created in the middle of the 13th century. Within its walls, there are many amazing religious artifacts, including the magnificent archbishop's marble throne.

One of the most visited museums in the city is the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a museum of modern art opened in 2010. It is of great interest not only for a rich collection of artworks but also for its original architectural shape. The museum occupies an unusual building with a wave-shaped roof, which is considered the city's most spectacular monument of modern architecture since its construction.

More than 10,000 square meters of the museum area is occupied by exhibition halls. Thanks to huge windows, the halls are well lit in the daytime. Over 76,000 exhibits were transported to this museum from the world-famous Pompidou Centre located in Paris. Visitors can admire paintings and sculptures by famous contemporary artists, see the works of contemporary photographers and designers. The cultural center regularly holds film screenings and conferences. The museum building also houses a popular restaurant serving regional cuisine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A beautiful historic palace is the location of an equally interesting museum - La Cour d'Or, which acquaints visitors with the rich historical past of the region. The building itself is of great historical value. Once it was the city's main royal residence. The museum contains interesting thematic collections on the city's architecture, archeology, as well as various areas of medieval art. Metz and its environs are appreciated for the variety of archaeological areas, many of which are currently under active development. The museum has gathered the most interesting exhibits discovered by archaeologists.

Metz has the oldest opera house in France founded in 1752. It has served its intended purpose for over 250 years. After numerous renovations, the theater is used to hold not only opera performances but also classical music concerts. Its hall is distinguished by luxurious decoration in the style of past centuries and unique acoustics. It'd be interesting to visit the cultural center even for those who have never been passionate about theatrical art. A spectacular building of the historic theater is equally valuable from an architectural perspective. A beautiful landscaped garden with decorative plants and fountains is formed around it.

Among the religious monuments of Metz, the Église Saint-Maximin stands out. This church dating back to the 12th century remains one of the oldest functioning religious buildings in the region. The shrine features a rich interior decoration and skillful stained-glass windows made by the best French masters in the medieval period. The old church will seem especially impressive on a sunny day when its interior is filled with a colorful glow thanks to multicolored stained-glass windows.

Admire many more interesting architectural monuments walking along the historic Avenue Foch. It is one of the tourists' favorite places to walk. A significant part of the buildings presented here was erected in the early years of the 20th century. The avenue was worked on by talented young architects who were given a free hand by local authorities. The result of their work and skills is a unique architectural complex, which has remained unchanged since its construction. Buildings on the avenue are made in various architectural styles. Such a diversity of styles does not prevent the complex from looking very harmonious and attractive. Many historic buildings are presently occupied by popular hotels and restaurants. In Metz, tourists often go on one-day tours around Luxembourg organized by local travel agencies.