The name “Ars” (Arches) is derived from the arcades of the Roman aqueduct, the imposing remains of which are still to be seen. Known locally as the “Devil’s Bridge,” it extended as far as the village of Jouy on the right bank of the Moselle, and served to bring water to the baths and swimming-pool of the amphitheatre of the ancient Divodurum (Metz). It was 3,240 feet long, and 50 feet high. The church, burned down in 1807, was rebuilt in 1816 on the site of an ancient Roman fortress. Ars contains important ironworks and a paper factory.
Moulins and Longville are next passed, after which Metz is entered by France Gate. Take the Rue de Paris, Ponts des Morts, Rue du Pont des Morts, Pont Moyen, Rue St. Marie, Rue du Faisan, Place de Chambre, then Rue d’Estrées on the right, to Place d’Armes, in which stands the Cathedral.
METZ SEEN FROM THE FORT OF ST. QUENTIN
METZ
ORIGIN AND CHIEF HISTORICAL FACTS
The origin of Metz dates back to the Celtic epoch, when it was the capital of the Mediomatrici. The Romans fortified it, to defend the frontiers of the empire against the barbarians. Metz then became the centre of six great Roman roads leading to distant provinces: two from Metz to Rheims, two from Metz to Trèves (one on the right, the other on the left bank of the Moselle), one from Metz to Strasburg, and one from Metz to Mainz.
A very rich and populous town, it was embellished by numerous Roman buildings, of which excavations have laid bare important remains: an amphitheatre, near Porte Mazelle, and above all Gorze Aqueduct (4th century), more than thirteen miles in length, which brought water from Gorze to Metz. Some fine remains of the aqueduct may still be seen at Jouy-aux-Arches.