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In the centre of Lille the church of St. Maurice offers a haven of peace in the tumult of the world. Before Lille existed on the site called “Fins” there was a first temple dedicated to the god Mars. A first church was built on the same place in the 11th century.

The actual building is a “hallekerque” (church/ market hall) made up of 5 naves of the same width and height, an imposing structure, but giving an impression of lightness.

The construction of the actual church took more than 400 years, from the 14th to the 19th centuries, and offers a complete building in the flamboyant gothic and neo-gothic style.

The French revolution marks a pause in the history of the church, which becomes a “Temple of Reason”. All its furnishings are removed , which will be restored in the 19th century.

An ultimate extension of three bays, and the construction of a new belfry, of a height of 68 meters, are done during the 19th century with the objective of making the church a cathedral when the diocese of Lille was created. This project was not finalised as the construction of the actual cathedral Our Lady of the Vineyard was decided.

Today the church possesses remarkable furnishings and a rich decoration. It was classified as a Historical Monument in 1914 and has numerous visitors each year. To read its “Livre d’Or” is to go on a world tour, showing the diversity of visitors.