Cathedral of Metz Height and Dimensions Guide

The Saint-Etienne de Metz Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture. It stands proudly in the heart of Metz, France. Visitors from around the world come to see its massive scale. This building is often called the Lantern of God because of its glass.

Understanding the Cathedral of Metz height and dimensions helps you appreciate its beauty. The structure is one of the tallest in the country. It combines two older churches into one grand design. This fusion created unique proportions that still impress engineers today.

In 2025, the cathedral remains a top site for travelers in Europe. It is famous for its yellow stone and light. The Saint-Etienne de Metz Cathedral dominates the city skyline. This guide explores the specific measurements and history of this historic landmark.

You will find detailed facts about its towers and nave here. We will look at the length and width of the interior. These figures show the skill of medieval builders. Let us dive into the technical details of this French gem.

The Vertical Majesty: Nave Height and Scale

The nave is the most famous part of the building. It reaches an incredible height of 41.41 meters. This makes it one of the highest naves in the world. Only a few cathedrals in France are taller than this one.

The height creates a sense of awe for every visitor. You will feel small standing under the massive stone vaults. Architects used thin pillars to support this heavy roof. This technique allowed for much larger windows in the walls.

The vertical scale was a major goal for the original builders. They wanted to reach toward the heavens with their design. Most visitors spend several minutes just looking upward. The ceiling seems to float high above the stone floor.

This height is comparable to a fifteen-story building. It ranks third in France for nave height today. Only Beauvais and Amiens have taller central sections. The proportions make the nave feel even taller than it is.

Lighting plays a key role in showing off the height. Sunlight enters through the high windows during the day. This light highlights the ribs of the Gothic vaults. You can see the fine details of the stone carvings clearly.

Structural Dimensions: Length and Width Measurements

The total length of the cathedral is 123 meters. This measurement includes the choir and the main entry. It is a long structure that spans several city blocks. The exterior looks massive from the nearby Place d'Armes.

Inside, the width of the nave is about 30.8 meters. This width allows for many people to gather for services. The side aisles add to the total interior space. You will find many small chapels along the outer walls.

The balance between length and width is very precise. Medieval master masons used geometry to plan these dimensions. They followed the Rayonnant style of Gothic design. This style emphasizes slim lines and large open spaces.

The floor area covers several thousand square meters. This space can hold thousands of people at once. It took three centuries to complete the entire floor plan. The builders finished the main structure around the year 1550.

The dimensions changed slightly over the many years of construction. Two separate churches were joined together in the middle. This join created a slight turn in the building's axis. You can see this change if you look closely at the floor.

The Grand Glass Surface: A World Record

This cathedral holds a world record for its stained glass. It has nearly 6,500 square meters of colored glass. This is the largest glass surface in any French cathedral. The windows cover more wall space than the stone does.

The windows date from different eras of history. Some glass is from the 13th century. Other pieces were added during the Renaissance period. Modern artists also contributed to the collection in recent times.

You should look for the Marc Chagall stained glass in Metz while visiting. These blue windows offer a modern touch to the old church. They were installed in the 20th century. The colors shift beautifully as the sun moves across the sky.

The height of the windows matches the scale of the nave. Some individual window panels are over fifteen meters tall. They tell stories from the Bible through colorful pictures. The glass creates a warm glow inside the entire building.

Maintaining this much glass is a very difficult task. Experts clean and repair the panels every few years. This work ensures the colors stay bright for future generations. The glass is the most valuable part of the cathedral's interior.

Tower Heights: The Towers of Metz

The exterior features two main towers of different heights. The Tour de la Mutte is the tallest one. It reaches a height of 88 meters today. This tower served as the city's belfry for centuries.

The Tour du Chapitre is shorter than its famous neighbor. It stands at a height of 69 meters. These towers give the cathedral its unique silhouette. You can see them from almost anywhere in the city center.

The Tour de la Mutte houses a very large bell. This bell weighs eleven tons in total. It was used to warn the city of danger in the past. Today, it rings only for very special occasions.

Visitors can sometimes climb the towers for a small fee. The stairs are narrow and steep inside the stone. From the top, you get a view of the Moselle river. You can also see the complex roof structure from above.

The flying buttresses also add to the exterior dimensions. These stone arches support the high walls from the outside. They allow the building to stand tall without thick walls. The buttresses are beautiful examples of Gothic engineering skills.

Building Materials: The Yellow Jaumont Stone

The cathedral is made of local yellow limestone. This material is known as Jaumont stone. It is one of the most famous Jaumont stone buildings in France. The stone contains iron, which gives it a golden color.

This color changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, the stone looks pale yellow. At sunset, it turns into a deep orange or gold. The cathedral seems to glow even on cloudy days in Metz.

Jaumont stone is soft and easy for artists to carve. This allowed for many detailed statues on the facade. You can see intricate flowers and figures in the stone work. The stone has survived for hundreds of years in the weather.

The stone was quarried just a few miles from the city. This made it easier for builders to get materials. They used thousands of tons of stone for the walls. The weight of the stone requires deep and strong foundations.

Restoration teams use the same stone for repairs today. They want to keep the appearance of the building consistent. The yellow stone defines the architectural identity of Metz. It makes the cathedral stand out from other French churches.

Practical Travel Information for Your 2025 Visit

The cathedral is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entrance to the main nave is usually free. Some special exhibits or tower climbs may have a cost. Expect to pay about 5 to 10 Euros for tours.

The best time to visit is on a sunny morning. This is when the stained glass looks most vibrant. The light hits the western windows during the late afternoon. Both times offer a different visual experience for guests.

Metz is easy to reach by train from Paris. The high-speed train takes only eighty minutes. The cathedral is a short walk from the train station. You can find many cafes and shops in the surrounding area.

Photography is allowed inside the building without a flash. Please remain quiet during religious services. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the old stone floors. The interior stays cool even during the hot summer months.

Location: Place d'Armes, 57000 Metz, France
Height: 41.41 meters (nave), 88 meters (tower)
Cost: Free (tours may vary)
Best Month: May to September for best light

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact height of the Metz Cathedral nave?

The nave reaches a height of 41.41 meters. This measurement makes it one of the tallest in Europe. It provides a stunning vertical view for visitors. The scale is a highlight of French Gothic architecture.

How long did it take to build the cathedral?

Construction began in 1220 and finished around 1550. It took over three hundred years to complete. This long period explains the mix of architectural styles. The building evolved as design trends changed over time.

Does Metz Cathedral have the most stained glass in France?

Yes, it has the largest surface area of stained glass. There are 6,496 square meters of glass in total. This feature earned it the nickname Lantern of God. The glass covers almost every available wall space.

The Cathedral of Metz height and dimensions are truly world-class. Its 41-meter nave and 123-meter length show incredible scale. The yellow Jaumont stone creates a unique golden glow in the city. You should visit this masterpiece to see the record-breaking glass yourself. Plan your trip to Metz in 2025 to experience this history. It is a must-see destination for any lover of architecture.

Key Takeaways

The nave is 41.41 meters high, making it the third tallest in France.
The building features nearly 6,500 square meters of historic stained glass.
The tallest tower, Tour de la Mutte, reaches a height of 88 meters.
The structure is built from iconic yellow Jaumont limestone from the local area.