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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Ségolène, located Jeanne-d'Arc square in Metz, finds its origins in the 9th century with a Carolingian chapel built between 800 and 830 in the vineyard district of Aiest. A written mention of 912, in a cartular of Gorze Abbey, attests to its early existence. From this first construction, only an crypt remains under the current choir. The cult of Saint Ségolène, an Albigeian figure of the 7th century, settled early in Lorraine, explaining the dedication of the building.

In the 13th century, the urbanization of the neighborhood made the Carolingian church too small. A Gothic reconstruction began around 1250, simultaneously at Saint-Étienne Cathedral. The choir, two apsidioles and the first three spans of the nave, built in Jaumont stone, date from this period. Between 1470 and 1500, a flamboyant Gothic porch was added, expanding the building. The frescoes of the 13th-XVIth centuries, discovered in 1850 but disappeared in 1898, showed this rich medieval history.

The most radical transformation took place between 1896 and 1898 under the direction of German architect Conrad Wahn during the Annexion. Only the choir and the first three spans are preserved: the nave is enlarged, the porch and the 15th century bell tower destroyed, replaced by a neo-Gothic facade with three portals and two twin arrows, inspired by the church of Saint Elizabeth in Marburg. The sculptures of the portals are made by Auguste Dujardin, already active at Saint-Étienne Cathedral, while Eugene Vallin of Nancy designs the bronze door of the central gate (1903).

Interior preserves 13th century Messin Gothic elements, visible in the pillars, windows and capitals of the choir. Among the remarkable works are two 15th-century statues (Saints Ferréol and Ferjeux), a stucco wooden statue of Saint Ségolène (XVI century), and stained glass windows from the 12th to the 19th century. The oldest, a 12th century Rhine crucifixion in the chapel of the Virgin, is considered the oldest stained glass window in Lorraine. Other stained glass windows, such as those of donors Jean Bataille (XV century) or those of Laurent-Charles Maréchal (1848-1855), complete this set.

The organ, built in 1890 by Dalstein-Haerpfer de Boulay, has 31 games. Although partially restored in 2000 by Laurent Plet for educational use, it requires a complete restoration. The church, classified as a historic monument since 2013, now houses the Franco-Polish parish of Metz. Its bell tower has seven flying bells, and its façade, despite its changes, remains a notable example of the architectural eclecticism of Lorraine.

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