Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica
Encyclopedia
The basilica
of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains is a historic pre-medieval church building in Metz, France. It began life as a Roman gymnasium
in 380 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Europe.
spa
complex. In the 7th century, the structure was converted into a church, becoming the chapel of a Benedictine
monastery. A new nave
was constructed in the 1000s with further interior renovations. In the 16th century, the building became a warehouse, and remained so until the 1970s, when it was restored and opened for concerts and exhibitions.
Basilica
The Latin word basilica , was originally used to describe a Roman public building, usually located in the forum of a Roman town. Public basilicas began to appear in Hellenistic cities in the 2nd century BC.The term was also applied to buildings used for religious purposes...
of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains is a historic pre-medieval church building in Metz, France. It began life as a Roman gymnasium
Gymnasium (school)
A gymnasium is a type of school providing secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar schools or sixth form colleges and U.S. college preparatory high schools. The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual...
in 380 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Europe.
History
The building was originally built in the 4th century AD as a gymnasium for a RomanRoman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
spa
Spa
The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy. Spa towns or spa resorts typically offer various health treatments. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are...
complex. In the 7th century, the structure was converted into a church, becoming the chapel of a Benedictine
Benedictine
Benedictine refers to the spirituality and consecrated life in accordance with the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century for the cenobitic communities he founded in central Italy. The most notable of these is Monte Cassino, the first monastery founded by Benedict...
monastery. A new nave
Nave
In Romanesque and Gothic Christian abbey, cathedral basilica and church architecture, the nave is the central approach to the high altar, the main body of the church. "Nave" was probably suggested by the keel shape of its vaulting...
was constructed in the 1000s with further interior renovations. In the 16th century, the building became a warehouse, and remained so until the 1970s, when it was restored and opened for concerts and exhibitions.