If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 736

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The War, 1914-18, L C H – Visé, Paris …”

 

This unused Vintage postcard has a divided back.  There is no blurb on the reverse to identify the printer/publisher or photographer.  The title is found at the top on the front of the card.  L C H Visé indicates official approval for French cards issued during World War I.  Also included in the title is 517 – VERDUN – La Cathédral vue de cote [VERDUN side view of the Cathedral].  The black & white photograph shows a soldier walking along the street and some damage on the roof of the church. 

 

The Verdun Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Verdun [our lady of Verdun], is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Verdun, Lorraine, France.  In 1906 it was declared a historic monument.  There have been several buildings erected and destroyed on this site.

 

As early as 330 Saint Saintin or Sainctinus, evangelized the city of Verdun and became the first bishop.  At that time a church was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.  A later bishop had a cathedral built inside the walls of a ruined Roman building on the current location.   In 990 Bishop Haimont had a cathedral built with a nave, two transepts, two apses, and two belltowers.  In the 12^th century the east choir and the cloister were added about the same time.  In the 14^th century the cathedral was refurbished in the Renaissance style.  More changes occurred in the 1500s.  A bolt of lightning set the roof and towers on fire in 1755 resulting in significant damage to the nave, the east tower, the organs.  Repairs were finished in 1760.  In 1793 the cathedral was pillaged.  During World War I the cathedral was severely damaged.  The eastern block was totally destroyed and the towers were never rebuilt.  During restoration between 1920 and 1936 a number of Romanesque features were re-discovered as well as the crypt.  This cathedral is the oldest in Lorraine and celebrated its millennium in 1990.

 

Situated on both banks of the river Meuse the name Verdun means strong fort.  During World War I Verdun was the site of a major battle.  The battle was the longest lasting of WWI, and one of the costliest in military history.  It led to enormous loss of life and many casualties. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdun_Cathedral