Eglise Saint-Severin (Church of St. Severin), Paris

Paris's vibrant Latin Quarter is replete with historical landmarks, and the Church of Saint-Séverin is among its most notable. Back in the 6th century AD, Saint Séverin, a hermit, resided on this site.

After his death, a series of churches were erected in his honor, with the current Gothic structure beginning construction in the 13th century to serve the burgeoning academic populace of the nearby University of Paris. The edifice reflects a rich architectural evolution from Romanesque to High and Flamboyant Gothic styles, shaped by expansions and restorations from the 15th through the 17th centuries, especially after the devastations of the Hundred Years' War.

Its lower bell tower remains from the original construction, completed in 1487, while the west portal recalls elements from another historical church, Saint-Pierre-aux-Bœufs, demonstrating a remarkable architectural palimpsest. Notably, the church houses Paris's oldest bell, cast in 1412, and features the city’s sole remaining charnel house, a testament to its medieval funerary customs.

Inside, the nave presents a tapestry of styles across centuries—the initial High Gothic design, evident in its cylindrical pillars and floral capitals, transitions into the 14th-century enhancements with slender colonettes and vibrant stained glass, depicting Apostolic lives. The Flamboyant Gothic style is predominantly seen in the choir and apse from the 15th century, enriched by 17th-century classical decorations.

The church also boasts an unusual column designed in the shape of a palm tree trunk. Its stained glass represents various eras, from a 1378 piece near the apse to a significant 15th-century rose window and 19th-century additions inspired by the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. The 20th century brought modern designs, featuring abstract forms in striking colors near the baptistry. The principal organ, a masterpiece with a historic 18th-century wooden case, was installed in 1963, enhancing the church's auditory legacy.

In 1944, the Church of Saint-Séverin served as the wedding venue for the future President of France, François Mitterrand, who served in office from 1981 to 1995. Though state-owned today, the church continues as a place of Catholic worship and, despite its historical and religious significance, welcomes visitors free of charge. Although it is rarely crowded, visitors are reminded to be respectful when a mass is underway.