Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Abbey Church

Description

Count Rudolf of Altenbourg founded an Abbey on his estate at Ottmarsheim which was destined for the Benedictines. The construction started in 1030 and it was consecrated in 1049 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX, making it one of the oldest churches in Alsace.

A number of fires have marked the history of the Abbey Church, the first being in 1272. Restoration work has revealed the magnificent frescoes of the 11th and 15th centuries. However, a serious fire in 1991 caused considerable damage. It was only in 1999 that the building once more revealed its splendour following extensive work. Ottmarsheim Abbey Church is classified as a historical monument and forms part of the Romanesque Route of Alsace. Guided tours are organised all year round in French and German.