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Metz

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Metz is a significant city located in northeast France.

Districts of Metz, France
Districts of Metz, France

It sits at the confluence where the Moselle and Seille rivers meet. The city is positioned near the tripoint where the borders of France, Germany, and Luxembourg intersect. Because of this location, Metz is a central part of the European Greater Region and the SaarLorLux euroregion. The physical terrain is part of the Paris Basin. This landscape features a plateau relief that is cut by river valleys. These valleys create cuestas, which are ridges with a gentle slope on one side.

Metz R03
Metz R03

The climate in Metz is classified as oceanic, tending toward continental humid. Summers are typically warm and humid, with storms occurring sometimes. July is the warmest month of the year. Winters are cold, though they are not often snowy. The average low temperature in January is -1°C. Snowfall is rare and usually occurs between November and February. Sunlight varies greatly throughout the year. The shortest day is December 21 with 7.5 hours of light. The longest day is June 20 with 16.5 hours of light.

Metz R03
Metz R03

Metz possesses a rich history spanning 3,000 years. Long ago, the area was the oppidum of the Celtic Mediomatrici tribe. After the Romans arrived, the city became a major center in Gaul. It was known then as Divodurum Mediomatricum, meaning the Holy Village of the Mediomatrici. By the 5th century, the name evolved toward Mettis, which eventually became Metz. Between the 6th and 8th centuries, the city served as the residence for Merovingian kings of Austrasia. It was also the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty.

Metz Porte des Allemands R06
Metz Porte des Allemands R06

The political status of Metz has shifted many times. In 843, following the Treaty of Verdun, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Lotharingia. Later, it was part of the Holy Roman Empire and held semi-independent status. During the 12th century, the city functioned as a republic. This Republic of Metz lasted until the 15th century. In 1552, the Treaty of Chambord moved the city into French hands. However, the city was later part of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. It was annexed by Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The U.S. Third Army removed German rule in 1944.

Henri2entranceMetz
Henri2entranceMetz

Today, Metz is the prefecture of the Moselle department. It is also the seat of the parliament for the Grand Est region. The city is known as "The Green City" due to its many public gardens and open grounds. The historic center contains one of the largest pedestrian shopping areas in France.

Rue Serpenoise Metz
Rue Serpenoise Metz

Economically, Metz is the heart of the Lorraine region. It specializes in the automotive industry and information technology. The city is also a center for applied research in metallurgy and metallography. This scientific focus continues the heritage of the region's past iron and steel industries.

GT Lorraine
GT Lorraine

Visitors can find many remarkable architectural landmarks in the city. The Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral features the largest expanse of stained-glass windows in the world. The Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains is recognized as the oldest church in France.

Metz Saint Pierre R02
Metz Saint Pierre R02

Other notable sites include the Imperial Station Palace, which contains the apartment of the German Kaiser.

Gare de Metz R01
Gare de Metz R01

For culture, the city offers the Arsenal Concert Hall and the Centre Pompidou-Metz museum.

Metz (F) - Centre Pompidou - Außenansicht
Metz (F) - Centre Pompidou - Außenansicht

The Opera House is also significant as the oldest working opera house in France.

Metz is home to many residents, known as Messins. As of 2022, the city had a population of about 122,000 people. The larger metropolitan area includes about 377,000 inhabitants. The city is a major hub for education. It hosts the University of Lorraine and Georgia Tech Europe.

GT Lorraine
GT Lorraine

Because of its unique history and architecture, Metz has been placed on France's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The city remains a vital link in the modern European community.

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🖼️ Images & Media (20)
File:Henri2entranceMetz.jpg
Henri2entranceMetz.jpg
File:Paul Verlaine-Edmond Aman-Jean mg 9503.jpg
Paul Verlaine-Edmond Aman-Jean mg 9503.jpg
File:Place darmes (3658773965).jpg
Place darmes (3658773965).jpg
File:Districts of Metz, France.jpg
Districts of Metz, France.jpg
File:Metz, street in old city.jpg
Metz, street in old city.jpg
File:Metz (F) - Centre Pompidou - Außenansicht.jpg
Metz (F) - Centre Pompidou - Außenansicht.jpg
File:Borny District Metz.jpg
Borny District Metz.jpg
File:Metz R03.jpg
Metz R03.jpg
File:Metz Porte des Allemands R06.jpg
Metz Porte des Allemands R06.jpg
File:Rue Serpenoise Metz.JPG
Rue Serpenoise Metz.JPG
File:Cultural venues in Metz, France.jpg
Cultural venues in Metz, France.jpg
File:Museum 1870 War Gravelotte.jpg
Museum 1870 War Gravelotte.jpg

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