Saint Louis square

Welcome to Saint Louis Square, where the main streets of downtown Metz converge. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike. Saint Louis Square dates back to the Middle Ages. In fact, in the 3rd century, the Roman rampart of Divodurum ended here. By the 13th century, the city had expanded beyond the rampart and built another one further out. That’s when Lombard money changers settled here, constructing their exchange houses under arcades using the rampart stones. During the big fairs, people came to exchange their German coins for French, Italian,Spanish ones, and so on. By the 16th century, there were over 60 money changers under the arcades, making Saint Louis Square the largest trading square in Metz. The houses you see along the square still bear the strong Italian style influenced by the arrival of Lombard bankers. The name of the square supposedly comes from a statue mix-up! In 1707, a priest gifted the city a statue of Louis XIII. Upon receiving it, the residents mistook him for Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis! Well, we do have quite a few Louis’ to keep track of! The name stuck, and in 1867, they finally brought in a real statue of Saint Louis to match the square’s name!