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Origin and history

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Lutterbach is a Catholic church built in the early 20th century in Lutterbach, Upper Rhine. It replaces an ancient church dedicated to Saint Martin, rebuilt several times, the last in 1761 in a Baroque style. The project of the new basilica, inspired by the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, is carried by Canon Ackermann, parish priest.

The plans of the building, designed by architect Hannig de Saverne, adopt a neo-Roman style and include three towers symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The first stone was laid in 1905, and the basilica was consecrated in 1908. In 1922, Pope Pius XI granted him the title of minor basilica. The building suffered extensive damage during the Second World War bombings, before being restored and reopened to worship in 1953.

The original neo-Roman interior decoration has disappeared. The current frescoes are the work of painter René Kuder, financed by the sale of the home of Bishop Jean-Julien Weber, from Lutterbach. The stained glass, dated 1952, comes from the workshops of Jacques Le Chevallier. In 1956, five new bells were installed, followed in 1958 by an organ of the Schwenkedel factory in Strasbourg. The basilica also preserves paintings by Jean-Jacques Scherrer, a village child.

The last organ restoration, slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic, spread between 2018 and 2021. Since 1953, the basilica has been associated with Saint John of Lateran, allowing it to grant plenary indulgences. It is one of the four minor basilicas of the diocese of Strasbourg.

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