🏛️ Lieu
Patrimoine & Culture
Eglise Saint-Paul
📍 Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
· 1 place du Général Eisenhower, 67000 Strasbourg
À propos
Among Strasbourg?s most remarkable churches, Saint-Paul holds such a privileged position that it is often mistaken for? the cathedral!
Situated at the tip of Ile Sainte-Hélène, on one of the most beautiful sites in the Neustadt, it forms a remarkable landscape ensemble with the Ill River and its banks.
Its position close to the imperial axis and its spectacular urban setting underline the political importance of the building, which was frequented by the Emperor in his day.
A symbol of German power
St. Paul?s Church was built between 1892 and 1897 - after the German annexation - to plans by architect Louis Müller. It features twin 76-metre-high spires and a large rose 8 metres in diameter.
Built in the Rhenish Gothic Revival style, it is strongly inspired by St. Elisabeth?s Church in Marburg, Hesse, considered at the time to be a model of German Gothic architecture. This was not just an aesthetic choice, but a symbolic way of establishing the legitimacy of German power in the newly (re)conquered Alsace.
Visible from all sides, the church forms a link between the old town and the new (German-built Neustadt). On the imperial axis, it also establishes a highly symbolic link between power (represented by the Emperor?s Palace) and knowledge (the university).
A garrison church
Designed for the Protestant garrison, the church could accommodate over 3,000 worshippers. Nineteen doors allowed soldiers to enter in good order, according to their respective ranks, and to evacuate quickly if necessary.
During his visits to Strasbourg, the Emperor frequented this church. A special entrance was built near the west transept. It was originally identified by the sculpted decoration of its tympanum, which featured the Hohenzollern coat of arms. The private staircase leading to the former imperial lodge - now occupied by an organ - retains its rich polychrome decoration.
The church has retained some of its original stained-glass windows, featuring allegories of the Empire and the arms of its constituent regions (under the large rose).
Like its Catholic counterpart, Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune, this church was conceived as a total work of art. The interior decor (chandeliers, stained glass, painted decor, furniture and liturgical furnishings) contributes to the church?s stylistic unity. Although the church is only occasionally open to the public, it regularly hosts fine concerts.
Situated at the tip of Ile Sainte-Hélène, on one of the most beautiful sites in the Neustadt, it forms a remarkable landscape ensemble with the Ill River and its banks.
Its position close to the imperial axis and its spectacular urban setting underline the political importance of the building, which was frequented by the Emperor in his day.
A symbol of German power
St. Paul?s Church was built between 1892 and 1897 - after the German annexation - to plans by architect Louis Müller. It features twin 76-metre-high spires and a large rose 8 metres in diameter.
Built in the Rhenish Gothic Revival style, it is strongly inspired by St. Elisabeth?s Church in Marburg, Hesse, considered at the time to be a model of German Gothic architecture. This was not just an aesthetic choice, but a symbolic way of establishing the legitimacy of German power in the newly (re)conquered Alsace.
Visible from all sides, the church forms a link between the old town and the new (German-built Neustadt). On the imperial axis, it also establishes a highly symbolic link between power (represented by the Emperor?s Palace) and knowledge (the university).
A garrison church
Designed for the Protestant garrison, the church could accommodate over 3,000 worshippers. Nineteen doors allowed soldiers to enter in good order, according to their respective ranks, and to evacuate quickly if necessary.
During his visits to Strasbourg, the Emperor frequented this church. A special entrance was built near the west transept. It was originally identified by the sculpted decoration of its tympanum, which featured the Hohenzollern coat of arms. The private staircase leading to the former imperial lodge - now occupied by an organ - retains its rich polychrome decoration.
The church has retained some of its original stained-glass windows, featuring allegories of the Empire and the arms of its constituent regions (under the large rose).
Like its Catholic counterpart, Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune, this church was conceived as a total work of art. The interior decor (chandeliers, stained glass, painted decor, furniture and liturgical furnishings) contributes to the church?s stylistic unity. Although the church is only occasionally open to the public, it regularly hosts fine concerts.
