Metz
Country: France
Region: Europe
Period: 6th-8th c.CE
Location: 49.120278°N, 6.177778°E
Description
Metz, located at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers in present-day France, was a key city in Austrasia, the northeastern part of the Frankish Kingdom, and later a significant center in the Carolingian Empire. It served as a favored royal residence and ecclesiastical hub. As the seat of a powerful bishopric and the burial place of several Merovingian kings, Metz held both political and religious importance in early medieval Europe.
Modern Remains
Today, Metz features many remnants of its historical past. The Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains church, one of the oldest churches in France, dates to the Roman and early medieval periods. The Cathedral of Saint Stephen, with its Gothic architecture and vast stained glass, reflects the city's ecclesiastical heritage. Archaeological remains, medieval fortifications, and museums preserve Metz’s legacy as a center of Carolingian power and Frankish identity.