Saint Merri Church : History, Architecture and Parish Life

Where is Saint-Merri Church?

Saint-Merri church, also known as Saint-Merry, is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, near the Centre Georges-Pompidou, at the junction of rue Saint-Martin and rue de la Verrerie, at number 76 of the latter.

Where does the name Saint-Merri come from?

The name Saint-Merri is a contraction of the name of the abbot Saint Médéric, who died in 700 A.D. Initially canonized as Saint Médéric, he was renamed Saint Merri by contraction. His remains are still preserved in the church crypt.

What is the architectural style of Saint-Merri church?

Although built between 1500 and 1565, in the middle of the Renaissance period, Saint-Merri church is characterized by its flamboyant Gothic architecture.

What's special about Saint-Merri's main portal?

The main portal features three ogival doors surmounted by crossettes and fleurons. The portal's voussoirs are carved with numerous statuettes of martyrs and angels. These sculptures were made in the mid-19th century by the architect Etienne-Hippolyte Godde, from casts taken from the statuettes in the southern portal of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris before its restoration by Viollet-le-Duc, using a special material known as “ciment de Vassy”.

Etienne-Hippolyte Godde is also the architect of the église Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement.

Who has been in charge of the Saint-Merri parish since September 2021?

Since September 2021, the parish of Saint-Merri has been run by the Communauté de Sant'Egidio.

What architectural features can be seen inside Saint-Merri church?

Saint-Merri church has a five-bay nave with a pointed vault. It is characterized by multi-shafted pillars supporting the tiers-point arches. The decorative frieze beneath the nave's high windows features four reclining figures amid foliage and animals. In addition, the communion chapel, built in 1743, is adorned with oval lanterns and openwork domes symbolizing the celestial vault. The square bell tower has had a third floor since 1612.

What's special about the stained glass windows in Saint-Merri church?

The stained glass windows in the upper windows of the nave's first bays date from the early 16th century and depict the lives of saints such as St. Nicholas of Myre, St. Agnes, St. Francis of Assisi, the Virgin Mary, St. Magdalene, the miracles of Christ, St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas. The side windows in the choir depict scenes such as the story of the patriarch Joseph in Egypt and the apostolate of St. Peter.

Who created the sculptures on the church facades?

The facades of Saint-Merri church feature sculptures by 16th-century master sculptors, with a rich and astonishing bestiary. The keystone of the main portal was restored in 1841-1843 and depicts what is interpreted as the Baphomet, a figure that is open to various interpretations.

Are there any art treasures inside Saint-Merri church?

Yes, Saint-Merri church houses an important collection of paintings and sculptures from the 18th to the 19th centuries. Notable works include a painting by Charles Le Brun depicting The Baptism of Jesus, as well as sculptures such as the marble high altar and carved pulpit.

What activities and services does the Saint-Merri parish offer?

The Saint-Merri parish offers a variety of religious services, including confessions, masses and times of prayer, particularly healing prayers. It also organizes cultural, artistic and charitable events, including concerts and exhibitions, and engages in solidarity actions. To find out more about the parish's specific activities, visit the Saint-Merri parish website.

Saint-Merri church in brief

Saint-Merri (or Saint-Merry) is a Catholic church located near the Centre Georges-Pompidou at the intersection of rue Saint-Martin and rue de la Verrerie (at 76) in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

The name Saint-Merri derives from the abbot Saint Médéric, who died in 700 AD, was canonized and later renamed Saint Merri by contraction. The remains of this saint still lie in the church's crypt.

Built between 1500 and 1565, at the height of the Renaissance period, the church's architecture is flamboyant Gothic.

Since September 2021, the parish has been run by the Community of Sant'Egidio.

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