Metz - Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains

Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains is the oldest existing church in France - and one of the oldest in Europe. When the first building got erected ~ 380, it was part of Roman thermal complex. The structure then was converted into a church in the 7th century when it became the chapel of a Benedictine nunnery. The nave got reconstructed and an apse added in the 10/11th century.

The church got severley damaged in 1552, when Charles V´s toops besieged Metz. The convent got dissolved and from then on the church was used as a warehouse. It got finally restored in the 1970s and now is open for concerts and exhibitions.

The church was locked, but I could hear at least tow men talking inside, so I knocked the door. Again - and again. After a while the door opened and I was told, that the building was not open for the public - at the moment. I asked them to let me in just for one minute - and they were nice - and gave me two. Merci beaucoup!