Saint Severin Paris is one of the oldest churches in Paris, build during the 11th century, replacing an earlier basilica at the location, which had been destroyed by the Vikings.
The church is dedicated to Saint Séverin, a hermit saint, who lived at the region, praying daily at a modest oratory within the location of the current church.
After Saint Severin’s death, the oratory was torn down and a basilica was built to the location (completed in 540 AD).
This basilica was, however, destroyed in a Viking raid, as part of the Viking attacks on Paris during the 9th century.
PHOTO: The church facade, as seen from Rue Saint-Jacques.
Construction on the church commenced in 11th century, but little remains of the original work, as the building was completely rebuilt in late Gothic style during the 15th century.
Typically to late Gothic churches, you’ll see many magnificent details in the facade, including Gargoyles.
Of note in the church are its bells, manufactured in 1412, the oldest church bells in Paris, in fact.
The sound of these bells is legendary.
The church bell’s sound was one of the things Alan Seeger, an american poet who died volunteering for France during WWI, considers a highlight in his poems about Paris.
Saint-Severin Paris
Address: 3, Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris, France
Official website: Saint-Severin.com
To plan your visit to the church and to find out the upcoming events, one of the best sources of information is the official website, at www.saint-severin.com.