Saint-Eucaire Church

This cozy little church sitting comfortably on its cobbled square is Saint-Eucaire Church. The very first version of this building dates back to the 5th century, and used to stand outside the city walls. It’s dedicated to Saint Eucaire, who was the first bishop of Trier, a city located in the current western Germany, and under the juridiction of Metz back then. Rebuilt in the 12th century, then spruced up in the 14th and 15th centuries, it’s one of the oldest religious landmarks in Metz and is a classified historical monument. Check out its bell tower—it’s the oldest one in the city! It used to serve as the town hall belfry until the spire of Metz Cathedral, aka the Mutte Tower, took over that duty. The bell tower and crypt are Romanesque in style, but the rest is Gothic. You’ll especially appreciate the beautiful flamboyant Gothic entrance portal dating back to 1474. If you step inside, you’ll get to admire a polychrome Pietà from the 14th century in the Chapel niche. You’ll also see murals from the 16th and 19th centuries as well as some stunning contemporary stained glass windows. The church is also the origin of a religious festival that’s very popular in Metz—Saint Blaise’s Day.The church holds relics of this saint and people come here to get blessed with small brioche breads studded with thorns, believed to ward off sore throats. Saint Blaise, the martyr, is famous for curing sore throats ever since he saved a boy choking on a fish bone. If you’re around on February 3rd, you know what to do to protect yourself from the winter chill.