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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Protestant church of Berg, located in the former county of Nassau-Saarbrücken, was built between 1771 and 1773 as part of an architectural programme co-financed by Louis XV and Guillaume Henri de Nassau. This project aimed to resolve conflicts related to simultaneism (sharing of a church between Catholics and Protestants) by erecting six new churches, including Berg. Its architecture, designed by Friedrich-Joachim Stengel, is distinguished by a Breitsaal (cross-sectional room in horseshoe) and a bulb bell tower, rare elements in France.

The construction was entrusted to the master builders Adam Schregel (mason) and Joseph Mattle (sculptor). The stuccos of the ceiling date back to 1790, and the interior was renovated in the 19th century. The building houses nineteenth century paintings depicting Christ and his apostles. The church was first listed as a historic monument in 1985, and then classified in 1990, recognizing its exceptional heritage value.

Architecturally, the church is characterized by a unique vessel without choir or transept, with a pulpit and altar to the east, and an organ stand to the west. The central forebody, surmounted by a pediment, and the segmental arch windows reflect the influence of classical and Baroque styles. This monument reflects the cultural exchanges between France and the German principalities in the modern era, as well as the desire to pacify religious tensions through architecture.

Historically, the church symbolizes the end of denominational conflicts in the region after the division of Sarewerden County in 1745. Prince Wilhelm-Heinrich of Nassau-Usingen-Sarrebruck and Louis XV signed an agreement in 1766 to abolish the simultaneous in six parishes, including Berg. This compromise illustrates the collaboration between local authorities and royalty to appease communities.

Today, the Protestant church in Berg remains a unique example of Alsatian religious heritage, mixing Protestant heritage, architectural innovations and Franco-German political history. Its ranking among historical monuments underlines its importance in the cultural landscape of the Great East.

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