Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Collège Saint-Thiébaut de Thann, located in the Haut-Rhin, is a former Gothic collegiate historic monument since 1841. It is considered a major work of Gothic art along the upper Rhine, alongside the cathedrals of Strasbourg and Freiburg-en-Brisgau. Its history begins in 1287 with the first mention of a church dedicated to Saint Thiebaut, built after the transfer of relics from an Italian saint who died in 1160. The construction of the present building began in the 14th century, with major phases in the 15th century, ending in 1516 with the bell tower arrow.

The college owes its name to the college of canons installed in 1442. Its construction spans several centuries: the south side nave and the base of the west facade date from the first half of the 14th century, while the choir and tower begin in 1351. The western tympanum, representing the life of the Virgin, was completed around 1400. The north nave was completed in 1492, the central nave in 1495, and the tower, begun in 1506 by Rémy Faesch, was completed in 1516. A chapel dedicated to the Virgin was added between 1629 and 1631.

The building undergoes major restorations after the world wars, especially to repair the damage of the bombings. Between 1887 and 1895, architect Charles Winkler added pinnacles and polychrome roofs, while conservation works have since been carried out continuously, financed by the State, the Grand Est region, the Haut-Rhin department, and the Foundation for the Safeguarding of the College, established in 2008. The college is also a Franco-German place of research on the preservation of monuments, due to the degradation caused by industrial pollution.

Inside, the college houses artistic treasures: a statue of Saint Thiébaut, a Madonna of the winemakers (1510), 15th century stalls considered the most beautiful in Alsace, and an exceptional set of 15th century stained glass windows, restored and completed in 2010 by Father Kim En Joong. The choir presents the largest set of medieval stained glass windows preserved in Alsace. The organ, built in 1885 and rebuilt in 1923, as well as the bells, one dating from 1467, complete this heritage.

The western facade, begun in 1342, is a sculptural masterpiece with 150 scenes and 500 characters illustrating the life of the Virgin. The bell tower, 78.14 meters high, is famous for its Gothic tracery and upper octagon. The college has benefited from scientific restorations, notably to combat the degradation caused by acid rain and pollution, as part of a Franco-German research programme on the conservation of historic monuments (1988-1997).

External links