This building was originally built in 380 AD as a gymnasium for a Roman spa complex. In the 7th century, the structure was converted into a church, becoming the chapel of a Benedictine nunnery. A new nave was constructed in the 11th century 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.

In the 8th century, Chrodegang,  the bishop of Metz and Minister of Religious Affairs during the reign of Pippin the Short, carried out a reformation throughout the empire.  Under his influence, the Metz chant, a mixture of Roman and Gallic liturgical chants, now better known as Gregorian Chant spread throughout Europe.  Whether you like Gregorian Chant or not, this is the city and the place where it came from and spread across the entire globe – simply astonishing, and we were here.  The basilica is one of the buildings spared by Attila’s hordes, it remains and privileged witness to the pas and fully reflects Metz’s rich and diverse history.