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Temples

The Abbey Sts Peter and Paul

4.7 · 613 reviews
A solemn and quiet space for reflection
The Abbey Sts Peter and Paul, Av. de la sous Préfecture, 67160 Wissembourg, France
Interesting facts
1

The abbey church contains an organ built by Dalstein-Haerpfer in the late 19th century.

2

The monastery was once one of the most powerful Benedictine institutions in the Holy Roman Empire.

3

The interior holds a famous 14th-century mural painting of Saint Christopher.

4

The cloister is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in Alsace, featuring distinct Romanesque arches.

5

The building was constructed using red sandstone sourced from the nearby Vosges mountains.

Overview

The Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul in Wissembourg is a significant example of 13th-century Gothic architecture in the Alsace region. Originally part of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century, the current structure replaced earlier Romanesque buildings. The interior houses an expansive 14th-century stained glass window depicting the Tree of Jesse. A notable Romanesque cloister remains preserved on the northern side of the building. The church serves as a parish church for the local Catholic community. Its design incorporates red Vosges sandstone, a characteristic material of historical buildings in this part of France. The site remains a focal point for understanding the architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles in the Upper Rhine.

Photo spot

The internal cloister courtyard provides the best angle for capturing the Gothic arches and original masonry.

Insider tips

Take time to examine the exterior carvings on the buttresses and portals.

Walk through the cloister garden to view the north side of the nave architecture.

Visit during a local service or organ concert for the best auditory experience of the interior acoustics.

What to avoid

Avoid entering during private ceremonies or funerals; do not use flash photography near historical paintings.

Etiquette

Dress modestly as this is an active place of worship; maintain silence during prayer times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes to 1 hour
Best time to visit
Late morning for natural light hitting the stained glass; spring and autumn for milder temperatures.
Address
The Abbey Sts Peter and Paul, Av. de la sous Préfecture, 67160 Wissembourg, France
49.037, 7.942
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleGothic with Romanesque remnants
Key feature14th-century Tree of Jesse stained glass window

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late morning for natural light hitting the stained glass; spring and autumn for milder temperatures..

The internal cloister courtyard provides the best angle for capturing the Gothic arches and original masonry.

Close by you'll find Tour de la Poudrière, Mairie de Wissembourg, Palais Stanislas.