Metz Historic Center — Graoully's Secret

Your quest begins at the forecourt of Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz, a historic monument classified since 1840. Initiated in 1220 and completed in 1552 after 332 years of work, this former metropolitan cathedral of the Holy Roman Empire, until 1648, dominates the city. You admire its nave rising to 41.77 meters, one of the highest in France, and its 6,500 m² of stained glass, including the luminous works of Marc Chagall created between 1960 and 1968. It is here, in the heart of this flamboyant Gothic masterpiece, that the first legends of the Graoully were undoubtedly whispered, mixing faith and local folklore.

Your journey then leads you to the Metz City Hall, built between 1457 and 1480 in a flamboyant Gothic style. This building, classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, has been the seat of municipal power since its construction. Its ornate facade and spiral staircase turret, adorned with a 16th-century Renaissance gallery, bear witness to the city's rich past. It was here that important decisions for Metz were made, and perhaps even ordinances to protect residents from the legendary beast. The proximity of Place Saint-Louis, a former administrative center and medieval market, reminds you of the dynamism of this Grand-Est city.

Continue towards the Porte des Allemands, a double medieval fortification built between 1230 and 1250. The only remaining gate of Metz's ancient fortifications, it spans the Seille and was a strategic control point. Its name is linked to the Teutonic Knights, protectors of the city. Restored in the 19th century and classified as a Historic Monument, it is an imposing remnant of Metz's defensive past. Imagine travelers and merchants passing through this structure, perhaps carrying news of the Graoully, while the ramparts protected the population from external dangers.

Then stroll along the Esplanade de la Moselle, developed in the 19th century between 1860 and 1880 during urban modernization. This 1.2 km promenade along the Moselle offers visual perspectives on the historic bridges and the cathedral. Integrated into post-1870 urban development, it is a major relaxation and tourist promenade in Metz. Formerly, this area was perhaps a swamp where, according to tradition, the Graoully had taken up residence before being chased away by Saint Clement. The Jardin des Cinq Sens, created in the 20th century, incorporates medicinal plants, recalling ancestral remedies against ailments and fears.

Your quest concludes at the Square du Graoully, where the statue of the legendary creature of Metz folklore, erected in 1889, stands. This 3-meter monument, depicting the winged beast, symbolizes ancient dragons and Metz's cultural identity. This journey has taken you through Metz's emblematic monuments, from the flamboyant Gothic of Saint-Étienne Cathedral to the medieval fortifications of the Porte des Allemands, passing through the historic city center and Rue Taison with its half-timbered facades. You leave with a deep understanding of historical Lorraine, its heritage, and the legend of the Graoully, an urban escape game that awakens history.