Ebersmunster is a village in the Bas-Rhin department of the Alsace region, situated between Strasbourg and Colmar.
Discover the Abbey Church of Ebersmunster
France This Way review: the small traditional village of Ebersmunster would probably remain unnoticed by visitors if it didn't contain one of the finest baroque churches in France, which dominates the horizon as you approach the village, and the village itself when you arrive, and makes a visit interesting.
The church we see today in Ebersmunster is a reconstruction on the site of an earlier benedictine abbey complex dating back as far as the 7th-8th century, which had been destroyed during the Thirty Years war (during the first half of the 17th century).
The current abbey church dates in part from the end of the 17th century although it was substantial modifications in the early 18th century that gave the church its 'german-baroque' style.
Abbey Exterior
The main facade of the church in Ebersmunster is quite simple in design, with cream coloured painted walls between red stone.
A substantial tower stands either side of the facade, one acting as a clocktower, and the two towers being connected by a balustrade passageway on which there stands a statue of Saint-Maurice.
The main entrance to the church is through the three arches at the bottom of the facade.
Abbey Interior
The understated design of the exterior gives little clue to the exuberant decoration inside the church. The interior is very finely decorated and among the particular highlights you will see:
- a wooden statue of Samson supporting the pulpit;
- the statues of the saints that line the walls above the stalls on both sides of the choir;
- an exceptionally ornate altar designed by Jean-Léonard Meyer in 1728;
- the beautifully painted ceiling in the choir;
- the wall paintings that can be seen around the church
Ebersmunster church also contains a well known 18th century baroque organ by Andreas Silbermann that has been used in various classical organ recordings and is also used in performances organised in the church.
Note: photos are copyright
Attractions nearby
There are various other important monuments close to Ebersmunster, such as the Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg and the ruins of Chateau d'Andlau; the pilgrimage site at Mont-Saint-Odile.
To explore several of the pretty Alsace villages that make this such a popular destination see the Alsace Wine Route guide.
See more abbeys in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bas-Rhin guide and the Alsace guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Ebersmunster Abbey see HERE
Find Ebersmunster Hotels and Holiday Rentals
Reserve excursions near Ebersmunster Abbey
Map of Ebersmunster Abbey and places nearby
Places to visit near Ebersmunster Abbey
Epfig
After exploring Epfig village be sure to visit the 11th century chapel to see the frescoes and the vaulted ceiling
Epfig guide
Selestat
One interesting feature of Selestat is the very wide range of architectural styles seen in the buildings and monuments
Selestat guide
Mittelbergheim
Mittelbergheim is one of several Alsave villages classed among the most beautiful in France, and a local base for wine production and tasting
Mittelbergheim guide
Kientzheim
As well as the village itself there are several popular attractions close to Kientzheim including a castle, a stork park and a monkey sanctuary
Kientzheim guide
Barr
Less visited than many, Barr is something of an undiscovered gem among the popular Alsace villages
Barr guide
Chateau d'Andlau
It is the views as much as the castle itself at Chateau Andlau that provide a substantial part of the attraction
Chateau d'Andlau guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bas-Rhin
The French version of this page is at Ebersmunster Abbey (Francais)