Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz

Metz

Nicknamed "the Lantern of God" for its 6,500 m² of stained glass, including contemporary windows by Marc Chagall, Metz Cathedral is quite literally bathed in golden light on sunny days. Its crypt houses the effigy of the Graoully, the legendary dragon said to have terrorised the town until Saint Clement, first bishop of Metz, caught it, wrapped it in his stole and drowned it in the river Seille. The rue Taison, which runs through the town centre, is said to take its name from this episode: leading the inhabitants to confront the beast in its lair, Clement is supposed to have asked them to keep quiet ("taisons-nous") so as not to wake it. The dragon's effigy has been carried in procession through the streets of Metz since the 13th century, which would make it one of the oldest parade floats still in use in the world.

Getting there : Free admission, admission charge for the crypt

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound