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

The first reference to the city of Nancy dates back to the middle of the 7th century. In course of its long history the city has managed to escape disastrous and holocaustic wars and natural disasters that is why the territory of the city managed to preserve numerous unique historical landmarks and sights. Winding ancient streets, luxury villas and private residences, grand walls and numerous religious buildings are only few destinations making up the touring program of travelers over the city. Regarding religious landmarks the Basilique Sain-Epvre is worth noticing. The basilica was established in the 15th century. The first church on the place of the basilica appeared in the 11th century and later the initial construction was destroyed and replaced with majestic building of basilica executed in Gothic style. The first scale reconstruction and renovation of the basilica was held in the 19th century under the renowned architects’ supervision.

The Tour de la Commanderie Saint Jean du Vieil Aitre is a genuine masterpiece of the Roman style. The tower is considered to be the oldest construction of the city. The building of the tower took place in the 12th century. Previously the tower was a part of a scale architectural complex known as the Saint John the Baptist Church. However the complex was destroyed till the middle of the 15th century with the only tower survived. Nancy preserved numerous fortifying buildings and constructions. These were built in different ages as the city gradually expanded its boundaries and new fortifying constructions were needed.

One of the most beautiful buildings of the early Middle Ages period in Nancy is considered to be the Porte de la Craffe. The thickness of the walls of the gate reaches 3 meters and the construction safeguarded and protected the city from conquerors attacks for many times. The most remarkable landmark of the Renaissance epoch is considered to be the Palace of Dukes of Lorraine (Palais des Ducs de Lorraine). The palace was built in the beginning of the 15th century and in the course of its long history served to many purposes. For a certain period of time the palace served as military barracks and later on it was used as stable. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the middle of the 19th century the palace survived through a scale reconstruction and renovation and today it is reequipped into the Museum of Archeology. The museum will be of great interest for those who are concerned with ancient history and crave to observe the showpieces of the prehistoric age. Arts admirers are advised to visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy. Its opening was held in 1793. The museum is one of the oldest in France. Among its showpieces tourists will find the paintings of the 14th century, a rich collection of artworks by Rubens, Italian artists Tintoretto and Pietro Perugino as well as the paintings of the renowned artists of the 20th century.

Located on Place Stanislas, one of the city's most beautiful squares, Hôtel de Ville immediately catches the eye with its magnificent facade designed by Emmanuel Hére. It is also noteworthy for its size, being the largest among all the surrounding buildings - it occupies the entire south side of the square. Built in 1755, the building was originally intended to be used as a hotel, since two other local hotels were subject to demolition. The interior of the old building was rebuilt many times. Its most valuable objects are works of fine art by Émile Friant, Emé Moreau and Victor Prouvé hanging in the Great Hall, as well as sculptures depicting important scenes from the history of Lorraine - for example, the statue of Stanislas leading Apollo's chariot.

Hôtel Bergeret is also noteworthy as a vivid example of distinctive Nancy architecture. Built in 1905 by Lucien Weissenburger, its building is part of the University of Lorraine (Université de Lorraine). The hotel building is primarily attractive with its original facade and roof. No less remarkable is the Villa Majorelle building that belongs to the famous designer Louis Majorelle. The mansion dates back to the same period as Hôtel Bergeret, however, it became one of the first French Art Nouveau buildings in France. The main architect was Henri Sauvage and stained-glass windows for the building were designed by Jacques Gruber.

Magnificent Nancy owes such an epithet to its splendid squares and streets, walking along which admiring the beautiful works of architectural art is a pure pleasure. Last but not least, Jardin Botanique Jean-Marie Pelt Garden attracts hundreds of tourists with its fragrant aroma, many greenhouses with a variety of plants of this or another climate, and a convenient route following which no plant can be missed. The garden also provides some great picnic spots. No less attractive place to walk is stunning Jardin Dominique Alexandre Godron Garden with its lush vegetation and sculptural attractions.

Satisfy your cultural needs in Nancy at the Opéra National de Lorraine where wonderful theater performances and classical music concerts take place. The opera building is equally outstanding - built during the reign of Stanisław Leszczyński in 1758, it is a wonderful example of the classicism style. Learn all about the history of Lorraine by visiting the Musee Historique Lorrain. It is housed in a palace that once belonged to the dukes of Lorraine - Palais des Ducs de Lorraine. Among the museum exhibits are archaeological finds from different periods, works of fine and sculptural art, household and interior items, faience, weapons, and jewelry.

One shouldn't ignore Palais du Gouverneur famous for its garden - Jardin du Palais. The huge classicism building was erected in the 18th century and has a rich history. Thus, Duke Leopold I who wanted to create a “New Louvre” hired the architect Germain Boffrand to build one, and the first stone was laid already in 1715. However, the grandiose project was never completed due to the deep depression of the duke after the death of his heir Leopold Clement in 1723. After the death of the duke in 1728, his second son Francois III expressed no desire to rule or build the “New Louvre” and ceded the regency to his mother. Subsequently, the next Duke Stanisław Leszczyński continued the construction of the building - not as a New Louvre but as a government building.

Nearby you can find Parc de la Pépinière, another Nancy's natural landmark worth exploring on foot. A short walk from it is Ancien Couvent des Cordeliers Monastery whose main value is the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine located in the chapel of Notre-Dame de Lorette. The building was erected by order of René II in 1487 and is attractive with its frescoes and stained glass windows, and rich history, of course. In the city, you can find other, no less remarkable, religious sights. For example, Basilique Saint-Epvre, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture built in the second half of the 19th century. The very first church on this site was a shrine built in 1080. Subsequently, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style at the end of the 15th century.

Emmanuel Ere worked as an architect of another architectural creation - Eglise Notre Dame de Bonsecours, the construction of which was completed in 1741 by decree of Stanisław Leszczyński who decided to reconstruct the old church building dated of 1477. The shrine is striking with its interior as well as priceless relics inside. It is here that Stanisław Leszczyński is buried with his daughter Maria. Another Neo-Gothic masterpiece is Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes dating back to 1933. Everything is beautiful in the building - from its majestic exterior to interior featuring stunning stained glass windows and an altar.