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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church of Wattwiller, located in the Haut-Rhin department (Grand Est), is mentioned as early as 735 or 736, although its current structure dates mainly from the 14th century. An earlier building, which remains a semicircular apse discovered in 1976 under the current choir, precedes its construction. The nave and its lower side, raised between 1220 and 1230, also include a semi-entered ossuary and a lateral chapel dedicated to Saint Sebastian, partially rebuilt in the 14th century with dogive vaults.

In the 15th century, the choir was entirely rebuilt in a flamboyant Gothic style, with a mesh vault and lancet windows. The lower sides, vaulted at that time, received consoles similar to those of the choir. The bell tower, including 13th century remains, was renovated in 1481 with a late Gothic belfry. A 1489 stone, now used in sacristy, marks this period of transformation.

The church underwent enlargements in 1852, with the extension of the coasts and the construction of a sacristy. Damaged during the First World War (destroyed covers, steeple touched), it was restored between 1923 and 1924 by architect Paul Gélis, who raised the arcades and the side walls of the nave. In 1976-1977, the ossuary was restored with direct access from the northern collateral, while wall paintings, reported in 1881 in the choir by architect Winckler, have now disappeared.

Ranked a historic monument since August 12, 1920, the church retains notable funeral elements, such as the painted fowls and the tombstone of the chapel of the nobles of Wattwiller. Its designated cemetery, closed in 1840, once surrounded the building. The mosaics of Pierre Gaudin, added during the restorations of the 1920s, always adorn the walls of the nave.

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