The Last German Gate of Metz
Of the 19 gates dating back to the 13th century, only one remains
Located in the Lorraine region in northeast France, Metz boasts an eclectic history dating back a few thousand years. From being a fortified settlement housing major Celtic groups, including the Gauls, to being referred to as Divodurum, or the town at the holy mountain, during the Roman era, the city offers diverse lessons in history.
As things stand, though, the most conspicuous aspect is the city’s German heritage. Having boarded the high-speed TGV service, my partner and I witnessed this lasting German imprint when we alighted from the train. There was an instant realization that we had got down at a palace. Well, literally.
Le Gare de Metz-Ville, or the city’s main station, is often referred to as the Palace Station, as it was once the apartment of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German emperor who chose Metz as his headquarters. The station building is a striking piece of architecture, built in Romanesque Revival style.
The clock tower, rising to over 40 meters in height, is said to have been designed by the Kaiser himself. The arrival hall is designed as an imperial palace. In January 2025, it will be five decades since the Gare de Metz-Ville was designated a Monuments Historique, a heritage status given to…
