Église Saint-Maurice de Lille (St. Maurice Church)

Church in Lille

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

Saint Maurice Church, situated on Rue de Paris in Lille, is a striking example of architectural evolution, blending Gothic and Neo-Gothic styles over the course of nearly five centuries. Construction began in the late 14th century and wasn’t fully completed until the late 19th century, resulting in a cohesive yet historically layered structure that reflects changing tastes and techniques through the ages.

The church traces its roots to a much earlier place of worship known as Saint Maurice de Fins, first officially mentioned in 1066. This reference appears in a charter related to the founding of the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter, which was partially financed by Saint Maurice. While there are hints that a tribunal may have met on the site as early as 875, no physical evidence confirms the presence of a church before the 11th century. Some speculate that the site may have once hosted a Roman temple to Mars, which could explain the dedication to Saint Maurice—a rare patron in the Tournai diocese. The term “Fins” comes from the Latin fines, meaning border or frontier.

During the French Revolution, Saint Maurice was looted, but the church recovered a portion of its furnishings and sacred artworks in the early 19th century, some of which had been transferred from dissolved convents. Among the highlights are paintings by Jakob van Oost the Younger and Louis Joseph Watteau, depicting scenes of religious devotion. The church is also the resting place of Charles Ferdinand d’Artois, Duke of Berry, the son of Charles X and Maria Theresa of Savoy, who was assassinated in 1820. Under the guidance of Philippe Cannissié in the 19th century, the building underwent significant restoration, including the addition of Neo-Gothic furnishings and stained glass windows. It was officially designated a historic monument in 1840, cementing its place as one of Lille’s most enduring sacred sites.

The Église Saint-Maurice de Lille (St. Maurice Church) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lille!

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