St-Gervais-et-St-Protais Church
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The St-Gervais-et-St-Protais Church of Paris sheltered one of the most famous dynasties of French musicians during more than two centuries since 1653: the Couperin family.
On the side of the church still remains the house of the famous harpsichordists, organists and composers as well as a plaque commemorating their address. The organ of Louis and François Couperin exists still today inside the Church. Built by the most famous organ builders of the time, including Clicquot, it is a fine example of the French Baroque.
This church is one of oldest of Paris. Its existence is mentioned at this place starting from 4th century. Dedicated to Gervasius and Protasius, it was ormerly seat of the powerful brotherhood of the wine merchants, it took its present appearance starting from 16th century. Its frontage would be completed much later, about 1620, testifying to a perfect control of traditional esthetics.
The square located at the foot of the staircases of the church was for a long time called "Crossroads of the Elm": since the Middle Ages a centuries-old elm, grew at its centre. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood would exchange money there. Several pictures of this elm still remain, in the stalls of the Church and on some nearby buildings.
The side of the church is skirted by François Miron Street, where two of the oldest medieval houses of Paris remain, at numbers 11 and 13. They date most likely from 14th century. One can see their structure of exposed wood, which was prohibited at the time due to the risk of fire.
On March 29, 1918, a German shell fell on the roof of the Church, killing a hundred people.
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