Bishop Conrad of Scharfenberg received authorization from Pope Honorius III to build a cathedral in Metz in 1220. He chose the site of a 5th-century sanctuary dedicated to Saint Stephen. Work began with the destruction of the existing nave and its reconstruction. The choir, above the crypt, continued to be used for religious services, even during construction. To reinforce the impression of height the nave's aisles were built relatively low (42 ft / 13 m) compared to some windows that extend over 62 ft (19 m).