Imagine Saint Merry Church serving as the parish church for Italian moneylenders. They were situated nearby. This made it one of Paris’s wealthiest churches. It was also one of the most extravagantly adorned churches. Today we will explore the history of Saint Merry Church.
Saint Merry Church stands in the historic Marais district. For centuries this area was marshland. But religious buildings dotted the landscape. Among these was the Chapelle St-Pierre-des-Bois. It was established in the 6th century. The chapel stood along the ancient Roman road. This road now is Rue St-Martin. It connected Paris to northern France.
History gives few details about Medericus. He was the abbot of Saint-Martin d’Autun Abbey. But miracles were attributed to him. Legend says he died around 700 AD. He was on a pilgrimage along the Rive Droite of Paris. He was buried there. Tales of miracles came from his burial site. So, the Church of Rome named him the patron saint of the Rive Droite.
In the late 9th century a church replaced the chapel. It enshrined Saint Merri’s relics. This church was rebuilt in the 13th century. The current Saint Merry Church replaced it in the 16th century. The growing population needed a larger church.
Extensive changes were made in the 18th century. All of Saint Merry Church’s statues were made in the 19th century. Saint Merry Church boasts one of France’s oldest bells. It was cast in 1331. It survived the French Revolution. Saint Merry Church also houses one of Paris’s oldest fonts. It has a magnificent organ too. Camille Saint-Saens played this organ.
Interestingly in the Middle Ages prostitutes frequented Saint Merry Church. They sought repentance. Their “working ground” was nearby. The church was conveniently located. Saint-Merri’s tomb has vanished. It was once in the crypt. Now only traces of its presence remain.
Saint Merry Church became known as a vibrant place of worship. It is overseen by the Centre Pastoral Halles Beaubourg. Visitors can enjoy concerts. The Académie Vocale de Paris performs every Saturday. Saint Merry Church is close to the Pompidou Centre. It is also near Place Stravinsky. Its architecture is magnificent.
The church’s architecture is predominantly Flamboyant or late Gothic. There are floral and vegetal carvings. Sculptures of fantastic creatures are there too. These decorations adorn the door and window casings. The north side opens onto the Pompidou Center’s terrace.
The bell tower contains one of the oldest bells in Paris. It dates to 1331. The sculptures on the west front date to the 19th century. The statues in the archway are copies from Notre-Dame-de-Paris. Modern sculptures were added higher up. These include a rabbit and a dog. Whimsical gargoyles are also present.
Inside Saint Merry Church Gothic architecture blends with Renaissance features. The slender Gothic pillars have become Renaissance arcades. Sculptural foliage covers the walls and columns. Statues of Biblical figures are also displayed.
Much of the stained glass was replaced with clear glass in the 18th century. This made the interior brighter. The pulpit was replaced with a more ornate version. It is supported by sculptured palm trees.
The choir occupies half of the interior. It was remodeled in the Baroque style. The most imposing feature is the marble altar. It has a towering “Gloire”. This sculpture is made of gilded wood. It is decorated with cherubs.
Saint Merry Church houses much art and decoration. Some pieces date to the 17th century. A large part comes from the 20th century. They replaced art destroyed in the Revolution. As we conclude our visit to Saint Merry Church remember its long and varied history. It has been a place of worship a haven for repentance and a center for music and art.