As you stroll along, keep an eye out to your right: the Église Sainte-Croix de Provins should be coming into view. It’s quite distinctive with its tall, slender steeple that reaches up to the sky and its somewhat weathered stone walls. You’ll notice a series of arched windows and an intriguing mix of stone and brickwork that really marks its historic character. Look for the bell tower with its paired windows-it almost feels like it's staring right back at you!
Now, let me whisk you back in time with a little story about this fascinating landmark. The Église Sainte-Croix de Provins is nestled in the lower town of Provins, within the Seine-et-Marne department. Its name is steeped in legend, as it’s said to have been influenced by a piece of the Holy Cross that Thibaud IV of Champagne is believed to have brought back from Jerusalem. Pretty cool souvenir, right?
This church was constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries-talk about taking your time to get things perfect! It has been recognized as a historical monument since January 15, 1918. Here’s a quirky fact: it was built on marshy land with wooden foundations. Over time, as the marshland dried up, the old foundations began to disintegrate, causing the church to slowly sink into the ground. Imagine it as a time capsule, steadily lowering itself into the depths of history.
So, while you stand here, soaking in the history and artistry of the Église Sainte-Croix, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of stories hidden within its walls, and the fact that it’s still around to tell them-even if it's sinking a bit more each year!
