Metz

About

Founded as a Celtic oppidum 3,000 years ago, Metz was a major cultural center throughout history. Today, this rich cultural heritage is spread throughout the city. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets of Sainte-Croix hill, where you’ll find mansions and monuments such as the the Récollets Cloister and Trinitarian Church. In the 18th century Iles district, the elegant opera-theatre is the oldest to still active in France. In other districts, visitors can find the 4th century Church of St. Pierre-aux-Nonnains, one of the oldest in France, and the 13th century Cathedral of St. Stephen, one of Europe's tallest Gothic cathedrals. The stained glass windows are so large, it earned the nickname "The Good Lord's Lantern". Meanwhile, the new Centre Pompidou-Metz has been exhibiting some of the world’s best modern and contemporary art since 2010.