Ebersmunster travel guide

Visit Ebersmunster (Grand-Est, France)

Ebersmunster is a village in the Bas-Rhin department of the Alsace region, situated between Strasbourg and Colmar. This small traditional village would perhaps remain unnoticed by visitors if it didn't contain one of the finest baroque churches in France, which dominates the horizon as you approach Ebersmunster, and the village itself when you arrive.

Abbey Church of Ebersmunster

The church we see today in Ebersmunster is a reconstruction on the site of an earlier benedictine abbey complex dating back as far as the 7th-8th century, which had been destroyed during the Thirty Years war (during the first half of the 17th century).

The current abbey church dates in part from the end of the 17th century although it was substantial modifications in the early 18th century that gave the church its 'german-baroque' style.

Exterior

The main facade of the church in Ebersmunster is quite simple in design, with cream coloured painted walls between red stone. A substantial tower stands either side of the facade, one acting as a clocktower, and the two towers being connected by a balustrade passageway on which there stands a statue of Saint-Maurice.

The main entrance to the church is through the three arches at the bottom of the facade.

Interior

The understated design of the exterior gives little clue to the exuberant decoration inside the church.

The interior is very finely decorated - among the particular highlights are a wooden statue of Samson supporting the pulpit; the statues of the saints that line the walls above the stalls on both sides of the choir; an exceptionally ornate altar designed by Jean-Léonard Meyer in 1728; the beautifully painted ceiling in the choir; and the wall paintings that can be seen around the church

Ebersmunster church also contains a well known 18th century baroque organ by Andreas Silbermann that has been used in various classical organ recordings and is also used in performances organised in the church.

Note: photos are copyright

Attractions nearby

There are various other important monuments close to Ebersmunster, such as the Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg and the ruins of Chateau d'Andlau; the pilgrimage site at Mont-Saint-Odile; and several of the pretty Alsace villages that make this such a popular destination: see the Alsace Wine Route guide for details.

You can find more travel ideas in the Bas-Rhin guide and the Alsace guide.