The New Temple

So here it is, the famous New Temple! Built during the rule of Metz by the German Empire, its beautifully sculpted details make it even more beautiful up close. ! . Wilhelm II’s desire was to transform the city into a showcase of his Empire, this is why Metz saw new constructions popping up everywhere. The Germans sought to promote Germanization through architectural initiatives, aiming to modernize the city and also to convince the annexed populations of the advantages of rejoining the German Empire.Hence, The New Temple , just like the central post office or the new train station,was built in a neo-Romanesque style, dear to the Emperor. In 1898, the municipality granted the Protestant community a plot of land on the small Saulcy Island, called the “Love Garden,” to build their place of worship. The German architect, Conrad Wahn, took charge, and construction began in 1901. Three years later, the temple was inaugurated in the presence of Wilhelm II himself, accompanied by the Empress, the princess, and the highest authorities of the Empire. Just imagine all those dignitaries who came to admire it before you! Another remarkable aspect, attributed to its position at the tip of an island, is the consistently surprising outline of the building, regardless of the direction from which one approaches. Moreover, its construction in dark sandstone contrasts with the other buildings made of the light Jaumont stone typical of French constructions in the region. Although the question of its destruction was raised when Metz returned to French rule, the German Protestant temple is now an iconic image of this city strongly marked by the cultural struggle between the two countries. To this day, the temple remains the gathering place of the Protestant community of Metz and has been classified as a historical monument since 1930.