Church of Saints Gervasia and Protasia

The Church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, abbreviated as Saint-Gervais, is located in the Paris quarter of Marais. The predecessor of this temple was an older church, which existed from the end of the IV century and was destroyed by 1494 - the beginning of construction of a new building, which lasted almost a century and a half. The new temple was consecrated in honor of the early Christian martyrs Gervasius and Protasius, who were persecuted for their loyalty to Christ.

From an architectural point of view, the church of Saint-Gervais is made in the late Gothic style, but since its construction stretched for many years, it carries fragments of other directions in its design. The last element erected at the beginning of the XVII century was the facade, which absorbed the spirit of classicism. The main attraction of Saint-Gervais is a unique ancient organ - one of the most famous Parisian organs. Thanks to him, the church of Saint-Gervais became widely known. The great interest of visitors is also caused by the painting “Martyrdom of St. Petronilia”, painted by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri.

To the church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius adjoins a small square, in the middle of which stands an old elm. It has a very interesting history: it has been growing here for thousands of years. Of course, it's not the same tree - the tree is renewed from time to time - the old dies off and a new one is planted in its place. In the Middle Ages, there was a tradition on this place to pay debts with witnesses. Among the Parisians there was a famous saying “Wait for me under the elm”.