Pausing before us stands the \u00c9glise Saint-Maurice. It might seem like a single Gothic structure. Yet, its construction spanned five centuries. The \u00c9glise Saint-Maurice started at the end of the 14th century. It only finished at the end of the 19th century.
Its story began in 1066. A written record mentions the altar of Saint-Maurice de Fins. The revenues went to the collegiate church of Saint Pierre. Earlier churches on this site remain unknown.
Some historians link the \u00c9glise Saint-Maurice to an ancient settlement. Others associate it with a public gathering in 875. Conversely, the 1066 charter suggests a more recent establishment. Bishop Baudoin likely initiated it between 1044 and 1068.
Tradition suggests the church sits on a former place of worship. This earlier site was dedicated to Mars. Evidence includes the church’s unusual orientation. Also it is dedicated to Saint Maurice. Saint Maurice is unique in the Tournai diocese. The name “Fins” derives from the Latin term for border.
The nave’s final two bays and transept’s three central bays date back to the late 14th century. From around 1421 to 1431, builders constructed the choir. This included side aisles and eastern side chapels. These chapels now honor the Virgin and Saint Joseph. The ambulatory and radiating chapels were constructed in the same period.
During the 15th century, the nave expanded westward. A tower also went up. However, this tower fell into disrepair. It was torn down in the early 19th century. Around 1500, the transept was extended to its present size.
Lateral chapels were added to the nave and choir in the 16th and 17th centuries. The north side additions occurred from 1539 to 1544. The south side additions took place from 1621 to 1660. Vaults were planned from the start. They were only erected between 1615 and 1623. At the same time, workers raised the nave. This made it as high as the choir. A small wooden lantern tower was erected. It provided light at the transept crossing. This lantern tower was removed in 1805. It was replaced by a “umbrella”.
Philippe Cannissi\u00e9 oversaw renovations in the 19th century. He was the city architect. He worked on it until his death. He gave the monument its appearance of uniformity. Cannissi\u00e9 constructed sacristies. They were built east of the structure between 1859 and 1863. He also added three western bays to the nave with a bell tower from 1867-1877.
The \u00c9glise Saint-Maurice underwent an expansion. It aspired to become Lille’s cathedral. Ultimately, Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille became the cathedral instead. Henri Biebuyck, F\u00e9lix Huidiez and Jules-Victor Heyde created statues for the west facade between 1874-1875.
Surrounding roads were widened during this expansion. The Saint-Maurice area was once a narrow path. It offered little space in front of the facade. Houses visible on the 1822 Lille plan were attached to the church’s south side. Houses between the square and Rue Pierre-Mauroy were demolished. The additional bays and new facade were built on part of this square.
In 2001, arson struck the south sacristy. Fortunately, the chapel of Saint Cure d’Ars was spared. Reconstructing the chapel’s roof became the starting point. A major restoration began. It included the church’s chevet and sacristy. Then, it was the facades of the side aisles. Finally, the roofs were restored.
Restoration of the tower followed in 2015. This was due to significant stone falls. The interior remained untouched. The windows’ bars were raised. A broken window from the 2001 fire remained on the north side sacristy.
The square in front of the church was redeveloped in 2019 and 2020. The facade and bell tower received new lighting. Today, the \u00c9glise Saint-Maurice stands as a testament to time. Its walls echo centuries of history. It is a landmark in the heart of Lille.