Abbey Saint-Etienne in Marmoutier

In love with beautiful churches? Discover the Abbey Saint-Etienne during your stay at the Hotel Chez Jean.

 

An unmissable visit for architecture enthusiasts

The Abbay Saint-Etienne is located in Marmoutier, only 7km from the Hotel Chez Jean, on the Romanesque Road of Alsace. It is one of the most remarkable religious buildings in the region! The oldest monastery in Alsace, this Benedictine abbey was founded in the 6th century, around 589 by Saint Leonard.
 

An abbey with various architectural styles

• Massif occidental: its construction began in 1145. Dominated by a square bell tower, the triple arcaded porch is surrounded by two square towers that end in octagons. Sculpted elements of leaves, bodies, heads and geometric elements are present on the façade.
• Narthex: Romanesque in style, it is located between the portal and the nave. Here you can admire the capitals with geometric motifs.
• Nave: its construction took place between 1230 and 1300, it is luminous and punctuated by pillars with capitals decorated with foliage.
• Choir: replaced in the 18th century, the present choir in an almost gothic style is bigger and brighter than the original choir.
• Archaeological crypt: you can see the remains of elements from earlier churches, monoxyl sarcophagi as well as the sarcophagus of Leobard.

Inside, you can also admire André Silbermann's organ dating from the 18th century. André Silbermann was the founder of the famous lineage of organ builders, famous and active in Alsace during the 18th century.

As for the exterior of the abbey, it bears witness to the evolution of its construction over time. The Abbay Saint-Etienne has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1840.

Find more information on the website of the Tourist Office of Saverne.