Marvelous Saint-Michel isn’t it? This magnificent church stands proudly in Lille. Its history is as rich and detailed as its stunning architecture.
The Église Saint-Michel wasn’t always here. Its construction was part of Lille’s urban renewal. This happened after the city annexed its suburbs in the Second Empire. The new neighborhood needed roads and a church. The church provided a focal point for the whole area.
Alfred Coisel won the design competition in 1868. Construction began in 1869. It ended in 1874. Coisel’s vision was a unique blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. This was a groundbreaking style for Lille at the time.
Look at the limestone. It’s used for the bell tower porch spire and exterior walls. The interior walls are filled with brick. The church boasts three naves. The central nave is two stories high. The side aisles are single-story. Each opening has a mullion and is topped with an oculus. A unique architectural detail.
Inside you’ll find twelve monolithic columns. They are made of Tournai stone. These support the nave’s arched ceiling. The ceiling is made of wooden coffers. The choir is flanked by sacristies. It’s also adorned with beautiful murals by Alphonse Colas. They depict the twelve apostles. Eighteen choir stalls add to its beauty.
The church is filled with more artistic treasures. The main altar is modest. Yet above it are five stained-glass windows. They portray the Virgin and Child flanked by angels. Saint Joseph and Saint John the Baptist are also depicted. A fresco above the windows shows Christ in Majesty. Angels surround him.
The nave and transept tell Saint Michael’s story through art. Colas started this cycle of paintings. After his death in 1887 Albric-Victor Duyver finished it. The impressive pipe organ was built by Joseph Merklin in 1898. It has been modified since. It now has three keyboards and a pedal board. The organ has almost 2700 pipes. Its current aesthetic is similar to Messiaen’s organ at the Sainte-Trinité church in Paris.
The Église Saint-Michel is more than just a building. It’s a testament to Lille’s history. Its architecture is a work of art. It’s a place of worship and a vibrant part of the city’s cultural heritage. It was even restored in 2019. The stones were cleaned. The church is a treasure for Lille and its visitors.