One of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Paris, Saint Severin, on the Left Bank, cannot fail to impress any visitor. This huge and cavernous church is filled with interesting statues, paintings and chapels and provides something new to discover on every visit. The groined vaulting and the small modern chapel with its unusual statue of Jesus without a cross are especially interesting.

The Rue St. Severin was named after the church. It features arguably some of the cheapest restaurants in Paris with delicious Greek food - yet another reason to visit this lovely area of the city!

The first basilica was built on the site in the sixth century and named after a wise hermit who lived here. One of his famous disciples was Saint Cloud - the grandson of the Frankish King Clovis and Saint Clotilde - who decided to become a monk instead of claiming his Frankish kingdom. The basilica was destroyed later by the Vikings.

Although named after Saint Severin, this church is also known as the church of the travelers because it had a chapel dedicated to St. Martin. Those leaving on pilgrimage would dedicate their horse shoes to St. Martin and attach them to his image after they crossed the Petit Pont nearby, the bridge used in medieval times.

The image of Saint Martin shows his encountering a beggar. As Saint Martin had nothing to give but the clothes on his back, he gave his heavy officer's cloak which he cut in half to the impoverished man. Later Christ thanked him by appearing to him in a vision wearing the cloak.

In the double ambulatory the vaulting represents pillar-palm trees, exquisite and intricate, this is probably the most beautiful section of the ancient church. The reflected light sparkles here, contrasting with the dark interior of the rest of the church. At the famous Christian ceremony of Pentecost pigeons used to be sent through holes in the vaulting symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples.

After leaving St. Severin, walk to the nearby church of St. Julien Le Pauvre, the oldest church in Paris, also well worth seeing.

Useful Information

St Severin Church
1, rue des Prêtres Saint Séverin   
75005 Paris
Nearest metro station: St Michel

---
Lisa Sanderson is a talented contributor to Paris Eiffel Tower News. Hailing from "Down Under", she travels to Paris regularly and is crazy about the city. Reach her for professional writing jobs at  .