Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais

Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais Church in the Marais neighborhood of Paris, constructed in 1212,  is built on a site that has been a location of worship since the 4th century. Generally referred to as Saint-Gervais (for short), the church is dedicated to twin martyrs who were murdered in Milan during Nero’s reign.

Style of the Architecture

The church consists of a variety of architectural styles due to being built,  rebuilt and enlarged upon over the centuries. When the church was rebuilt in 1494 to accommodate growth of the parish, the bell tower was encompassed by the church. Viewed from the front, it appears to be a very classical style of architecture but from behind the  beginnings of the church in its Gothic style become evident.

Organ and the Couperin Brothers

Louis and François Couperin, French Baroque composers and performer of the 1600s, performed on this same organ seen and heard in this video. Both brothers served as organists at the church.

Saint-Gervais stained glass

Saint-Gervais Chapels

The chapels have modern frescos by Gigoux, Neim and others which represent Biblical scenes. However, it is the stained glass in churches that always speaks to me. Only two of the original stained glass remain but that does not diminish the beauty of the current windows.
 

Saint-Gervais Nave

Saint-Gervais Nave

The exceptionally tall nave is exceptionally  soars to 75 meters (246 feet). Light floods in through the windows providing a spectacular display of color.

The Virgin Chapel

For all its beauty Saint Gervais does have a sad story in its past. On Good Friday in 1918 a German shell hit the church. In worship at the time, 200 people suffered injuries and another 50 lost their lives.

Location

The church is located behind (to the east) of the Hôtel de Ville on rue François Miron and can be accessed via the Hôtel de Ville metro stop.

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