Église Saint-Michel

The abbey church of Saint-Michel is the historic heart of the town of Saint-Mihiel. The first building was constructed when the present abbey was founded (between 816 and 824). This was followed by a major rebuilding campaign lasting well into the 11th century, under the direction of Abbot Albert II (1044-1076). All that remains of this Romanesque building are the lower parts of the surrounding walls and the lower part of the west tower. The current building is largely the result of major renovation work carried out in the late 17th and early 18th centuries (construction of the current choir and vaults), during the abbatiate of Dom Hennezon (1666-1689) and then Dom Maillet (1689-1727).

Today, the church is particularly admired for its superb organ case, built between 1679 and 1681 and restored several times since. It is one of the best-preserved organs in Lorraine. In addition, one of the works by sculptor Ligier Richier is the Pâmoison de la Vierge, a work in walnut wood dating from the early 1530s. Finally, the church choir, with its 80 stalls, impresses with its size and the enchanting light provided by the large stained-glass windows.

Free admission. Guided tours on request (for groups) from the C?ur de Lorraine tourist office.