Audio GuideChurch of Saint-Séverin
Église Saint-Séverin
Gothic church with an ornate facade, striking stained-glass windows & a 13th-century bell tower.
Church
Paris, France
Situated in the vibrant Latin Quarter of Paris, Église Saint-Séverin unfolds a fascinating tale of evolution. Originally, it was a modest chapel established on the site of a sixth-century hermit named Saint Séverin. Over time, this diminutive sanctuary developed into one of the oldest parish churches on the Left Bank, even hosting students from the University of Paris.
Construction commenced in the thirteenth century and underwent significant changes following a fire during the Hundred Years' War. The church was rebuilt and extended over several centuries in an elegant style known as Flamboyant Gothic. Its western end boasts High Gothic features from an earlier period, while subsequent additions to the nave and choir reveal intricate rib vaults, a twisting central column, and stained-glass windows created over various eras.
A bell from the early fifteenth century tolls as one of the oldest in Paris. Outside, what was once a charnel house has been converted into a garden, preserving unique local funeral practices by featuring an above-ground mausoleum.
Linked to modern history, the church witnessed the wedding of future French President François Mitterrand during the Second World War. It remains a vivid testament to medieval heritage and Gothic art. Its fusion of architectural styles and rich history makes it an unforgettable and enlightening experience for anyone exploring Paris.
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