- Historical Significance of the Church of St. Severin
- Architectural and Artistic Marvels of St. Severin
- Transfer to the Church of St. Severin in Paris
Historical Significance of the Church of St. Severin
The Church of St. Severin, nestled in the Latin Quarter of Paris, stands as a beacon of Roman Catholic worship within the Archdiocese of Paris. Its foundations were laid between the 13th and 15th centuries, resonating with the historical essence of the region. Located near the renowned Sorbonne, this ecclesiastical structure is anchored in André Lefebvre square and extends to include the cloister and the parish rectory-house. Encircled by Rue Saint-Jacques, Rue Saint-Severin, and Street Priests St. Severin, the church is a quintessential representation of Gothic architecture, meriting its classification as a historic monument since 1862.
This sacred site was originally chosen for its connection to Saint Severin, a devout figure who practiced his faith here. The narrative of the church is intertwined with historical upheavals, including its destruction by Vikings in the 11th century and subsequent reconstructions beginning in the 13th century. Notably, it houses Paris’s oldest bell, named Macée, cast in 1412. The church’s history is further marked by a fire in 1448, which led to the eventual completion of its tower in 1487 and the construction of the side chapels of the nave between 1498 and 1520. The church’s grandeur is accentuated by marble ornamentations funded by Duchess Anne de Montpensier and crafted by Jean Baptiste Tuby. A catacomb within the church serves as the final resting place of Issac Coustin, a Knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. The architectural evolution of the church included the construction of the oval-shaped Chapel of the Communion, necessitating the removal of three columns from the cemetery. The exquisite wrought iron works of Pierre Boulanger, including the Saint-Martin gate and the door to the garden cemetery, further enhance the church’s aesthetic appeal.
Architectural and Artistic Marvels of St. Severin
The Church of St. Severin is a treasure trove of artistic and architectural wonders, prominently featuring 19th-century Gothic stained glass windows, including the illustrious stained glass depicting the Tree of Jesse. The choir gallery, an architectural marvel, is surrounded by ten pairs of palm-shaped columns, with one column notably twisted, adding to the uniqueness of the design. The church’s nave, rising to a height of 17 meters and designed in a parallelogram shape, is supported by eight columns. It is adorned with an array of stained glass windows from the 19th century, each telling a story of faith and artistry.
The church’s Gothic roots are evident in the magnificent windows, including the rose window on the west facade and depictions of St. Peter and St. John the Baptist on the north side. Additionally, the church houses an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century stained glass windows. The ground floor windows, dating back to the 19th century, are complemented by 20th-century windows depicting the seven sacraments, commissioned by Reverend Ponsar and executed by Alain Jean Bazaine in 1970. The church’s organ, a masterpiece inaugurated in 1963 and crafted by Alferd Kern, is a historic monument in its own right, having been listed since 1905. The church’s ornamental splendor extends to gargoyles, paintings on the side door, and intricate sculptures. Open daily and on some holidays, the church is accessible to all, including the disabled. Visitors seeking a touch of luxury can opt for a private shuttle or limousine service provided by our luxury car transfer team to the Church of St. Severin.
Transfer to the Church of St. Severin in Paris
The Church of St. Severin, an architectural and historical gem in Paris, is conveniently located at a distance of approximately 18.4 km from Orly Airport, offering easy access for visitors arriving from various destinations. Additionally, the church is situated 31 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, the largest international airport in France, making it a reachable landmark for international travelers. For those coming from farther areas, the church is about 101 km from Beauvais Airport. These distances highlight the church’s accessibility from major transport hubs in and around Paris, ensuring that visitors, regardless of their point of origin, can find their way to this magnificent site with ease.