Amidst the bustling energy of Paris, a quiet sanctuary awaits. The Église de la Nativité-de-la-Très-Sainte-Vierge stands as a testament to faith and resilience. This church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has witnessed the ebb and flow of Parisian life, enduring trials and tribulations while offering solace to generations. The Église de la Nativité-de-la-Très-Sainte-Vierge, often referred to as Notre-Dame de Bercy, is nestled in the 12th arrondissement, a neighborhood once known as the village of Bercy. Its story begins in the late 17th century when the church, initially named Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, was built. It provided a much-needed spiritual home for the villagers, who previously had to travel a considerable distance to attend services. This original structure was destroyed in 1821 and subsequently rebuilt, only to be tragically burned down again during the tumultuous Paris Commune of 1871. It was then reconstructed by architect Antoine-Julien Hénard, resulting in the edifice we see today. The Église de la Nativité-de-la-Très-Sainte-Vierge’s architecture draws inspiration from ancient Roman basilicas. It boasts a classical porch with columns and a pediment, while the apse is adorned with Byzantine-inspired motifs. Inside, a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th-century religious paintings awaits, including works by Jacques Stella, Charles de La Fosse, and Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre. The church also houses a unique statue of Saint Émilion de Combes, the patron saint of wine merchants, a nod to Bercy’s history as a wine-trading hub. A more recent addition is the contemporary painting “Lumière divine (Annonciation)” by Monique Baroni, gracing the baptistery chapel. Music lovers will appreciate the church’s romantic-style organ, built by the Stolz brothers around 1880. Remarkably, this instrument remained unrestored until 2022, when the city of Paris undertook a significant conservation project. The Église de la Nativité-de-la-Très-Sainte-Vierge’s story is one of rebirth and restoration. It has faced floods, bombings, and fires, yet each time it has risen from the ashes. This resilience reflects the enduring spirit of the community it serves.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to