“Did you know that \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9-de-la-Vierge is the only church in Paris that was burned down during the Commune in 1871?” The story of this church is one of destruction and resurrection. It stands as a testament to resilience.
Let’s step back to 1677. The Pères de la Doctrine Chrétienne established a convent here in the 12th arrondissement. In 1790 the Assemblée Constituante created the commune of Bercy. The convent’s church became the parish church. But this building fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1821.
André-Marie Châtillon designed a new building in 1824. It was dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité. This church suffered a devastating fire during the Commune in 1871. Only the walls remained standing.
Antoine-Julien Hénard used these walls to build a third church in 1873. It had the same perimeter as the previous one. Reconstruction started quickly. The completion was slow. The flat ceilings were not finished until the early 20th century.
To compensate for the slow progress, the Préfecture de la Seine provided remarkable religious paintings. These artworks came from the classical era. Despite being surrounded by streets and traffic, this church is worth visiting. You can admire canvases by Charles de la Fosse, Jacques Stella and Daniel Hallé. Works by Louis de Boullogne and Jean-Baptiste Pierre are present. Each painting is often lit by a lamp.
Look for a rare statue of the Bon Larron. This tin-leaf sculpture is unique in France. It dates from 1995.
The architecture of \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9-de-la-Vierge resembles ancient Roman basilicas. This style was popular during the Restoration. The facade features a peristyle with four Doric columns. A simple fronton tops them. Statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul frame the facade’s door. A statue of Saint Joseph with the Child is also present.
Inside, the nave features Doric pillars with square sections. The stained-glass windows are clear with a yellow border.
Notice the painting titled “Jésus ressuscitant la fille de Jaïre”. It is attributed to Charles de la Fosse. Another highlight is “L’Annonciation” by Daniel Hallé. Don’t miss “L’Assassinat de Thomas Becket de Canterbury” by Jean-Baptiste Pierre.
The church also features an organ built by Stolz in 1880. Examine “Le Christ et la Samaritaine” from 1652 by Jacques Stella. You will also find “La Nativité” from the 17th century. It is of Flemish or Spanish origin.
The choir has a simple master altar with six candlesticks. In front stands an altar installed after Vatican II. The nave has a flat ceiling with compartments. \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9-de-la-Vierge showcases a blend of historical styles. It also has remarkable artworks. It is a peaceful haven amid the city.