Hunawihr Fortified Church

Hunawihr village in Alsace is famous for of its fortified church, perched on a hillside on the edge of the village. The fortified church of St. James (the Greater) and the old cemetery are surrounded by a 13th-century wall with only one entrance.

The six original semicircular bastions with ports through which guns could be fired still flanked the ramparts.

Listed as a historic monument in 1929, the existing church was built on the foundations of a primitive church from the 10th century. The square bell tower of the church is as strong as a keep and dates back to the 15th century. The hands of the church clock are decorated with vine leaves, illustrating the vineyards’ importance to the village’s economy.

Inside are famous frescoes named after Saint-Nicolas, which were rediscovered in 1878. The choir gallery, the transept and the nave all date back to the 16th century and the organ case to the 18th century. In the nave, the 16th century pink sandstone pulpit set against the wall contains a small staircase crossing the pillar from which it is formed. This setting is quite rare in France and unique to Alsace.

References:

• frenchmoments.eu

Address

Rue Sainte-Hune 4, Hunawihr, France

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)