Oldest Paris Church

This large silver-rimmed shell holds holy water in the oldest church in Paris, St-Germain-des-Pres.  Originating in 542 when most of Paris was still swampy, it was mostly burned down during the French Revolution by the mobs.  Remarkably, it was heavily restored in the 19 century and looks beautiful today.  A powerful Benedictine Abbey in its day, it was built by the Merovingian ruler, King Childebert, to house holy relics.  You can tell it is a much older church; beautiful original painted columns and walls retain original symbols painted in wonderful colors.  I love this photo.  St-Germain-des-Pres, given its age, has seen many great and horrific moments in Parisian history, but is worth a visit.   One famous tomb includes that of Rene Descartes.