The imposing red brick facade of Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul stands before you. Its neo-Romanesque style whispers tales of a rich history.
This magnificent church is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Wazemmes community. Its construction began in 1854. It was completed in 1857. The architect Pierre Caloine masterfully designed this imposing structure. It’s 76 meters long and 41 meters wide. Its soaring vault reaches 20 meters high. Fourteen massive columns each weighing 15000 kilograms support this breathtaking height. The steeple climbs another 59 meters to the cross.
The current church is actually the third iteration on this site. The first church. Mentioned in a charter from 1066. Was located on the present-day Place Philippe-de-Girard. This original church. Repaired several times. Was eventually sold and destroyed in 1802. A second church. Built between 1821 and 1824. Became insufficient as Wazemmes’ population boomed. The current building reflects this growth. It stands as a symbol of the community’s perseverance.
The Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul has endured much. During World War I. German artillery struck its bell tower. World War II brought even greater devastation. A bomb destroyed the stained glass. The organs. Much of the interior furnishings. The church. Though roofless. Remained open for worship. Reconstruction began only in the early 1950s. A later fire caused further damage. The sacristy appears to have been the origin of the fire.
Beneath the church lies an unexpected surprise. A vast crypt originally intended for burials. This space. Never used for its intended purpose. Housed the church’s boiler room until the 1980s. Today this 1300 square-meter crypt hosts a fencing salle d’armes. Three local fencing clubs make use of the fourteen pistes.
Despite the trials and transformations. Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul stands tall. A symbol of faith. Community. And the enduring spirit of Lille. Its two bells. Cast in 1920. Ring out over Wazemmes. They replace bells lost to the German army during World War I. The original bells were melted down for their metal. This red brick behemoth is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural landmark. It’s a reminder of Lille’s vibrant past and its promising future. The church continues to serve its community. A quiet witness to the passage of time.