metz has a massive and stunning
cathedral. (for interesting reading on architectural differences between cathedrals, abbeys, basilicas read
here). metz cathedral is gothic as opposed to baroque or romanesque. it has one of the highest naves in the world. and it has largest selection of stain glass windows in the world, including some more modern artists like marc chagall, pictured below on the right. even the details of the exterior of the cathedral are stunning. for example, look at the pic below of christ on the cross in the middle of one of the main towers. this cathedral was completed nearly 350 years before the SLC temple--and there are dozens of these grand churches from similar time periods all over europe.
cathedrals were typically built with east to west orientation, with congregation facing east towards the rising son, symbolic of christ as the light in our life and of the second coming where christ will come from the east. they were built with a nave leading towards the bema (where the altar is), usually with two transepts laterally forming the shape of the cross. the stain glass and stonework teach the gospel of christ, often thought of as the poor man's bible, before folks could read or had access to the bible in their language.
this metz street just looked so french.
acadia doing her new thing--walking.
metz also has a us cemetary outside of town. this one with around 11,000 graves. we had some pretty dramatic lighting as the sun burst through the clouds for a few minutes.
our happy driver
2 comments:
jealous!!!!!!! love these pics.
Metz was in my mission so long ago. I drove through there several times and we all knew about the huge WWI battle that put all those bodies in graves. I wish we could have been there with you.
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