The beautiful nave of the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the only vestige of Roman art that remains in the capital. The choir of the church, on the other hand, is of early Gothic style. Observe the gothic capitals of the ambulatory.
The oldest church in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, was founded by Clovis I's son Childebert I (reigned 511-558) on the site of a small marketplace, as a pillar of an important abbey complex, to house the relic of the True Cross, brought from Spain in 542. During the Middle Ages, the church became very influential as a religious and cultural institution. Although the abbey was eventually completely destroyed by the Normans, the church itself survives with the suffix "des préso", indicating that it was located in meadows outside the city limits.
The church was enlarged and rededicated by Pope Alexander III in 1163, presenting a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Its square tower, originally built in the early 11th century, now has a distinctive 19th-century spire. The interior of the church is decorated with a Romanesque nave and a Gothic choir with gilded capitals. The marble columns are the only remaining elements of the 6th-century abbey church that once served as the pantheon of the Merovingian kings. The pillars are carved copies of the capitals, the originals of which are in the Musée National du Moyen-Age.
Why is it worth visiting: Upon entering this church, the colorful walls and ceiling immediately catch your attention with their beauty. Additionally, the small park outside provides a quiet place to sit and relax for a while. As in many Parisian churches, concerts and recitals are held here, often featuring Gregorian chant, taking advantage of the church's fantastic acoustics and medieval atmosphere.
Tip: Once inside, make sure your eyes move from the base of the columns all the way to the ceiling. Every inch/centimeter is decorated!