Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Sainte Marguerite Chapel in Fessenheim-le-Bas is a Catholic historical monument located in the Lower Rhine, in the Grand East. It is the only architectural vestige of the medieval village of Himmolsheim, mentioned in 1243 and disappeared in the 16th century. Its architecture combines elements from the 12th and 13th centuries, including the moellon tower, and a nave rebuilt in the 18th century.

The heart tower, of square plan, dates from about 1200 and presents chains of cut stone angle, a checkered band, and a eucharistic cabinet dug in the south wall. The triumphal arch in full hanger, decorated with relief motifs (damier, palmettes), and the ceiling rectangular nave, with a lintel door in a building, illustrate its architectural evolution. The chapel, which was listed as a historical monument in 1968, was a place of pilgrimage until the early 20th century.

After its ranking, the building benefited from restorations. Today, owned by the municipality of Fessenheim-le-Bas, it bears witness to the religious and rural history of Alsace, between medieval heritage and modern transformations. Its simple design and decorative details reflect the local architectural practices of the Romanesque and classical periods.

External links