Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Léger de Bouxwiller Catholic Church, located in the Lower Rhine (Great East), is a historic monument classified on October 16, 1930. It is distinguished by its 12th century Romanesque tower, which dominates the village, and by its organ of 1668, by Johann-Jacob Baldner, reworked by André Silbermann, G. F. Merkel and Schild. This church, originally parish, was assigned to burials after the Reformation before being returned to Catholic worship in 1683.

The tower, partly of Gallo-Roman origin, combines 13th and 14th century elements, with lower sandstone levels and Gothic bays. The choir and nave, rebuilt in 1779-1780 by architect Ginter de Haguenau, adopt an atypical north-south axis. The building, surrounded by an old cemetery, preserves task mark and a classic portal, reflecting its architectural evolution and its central role in the community.

The church houses an exceptional organ, designed in 1668 and modified by renowned factors such as André Silbermann. This musical heritage, combined with the tower and medieval remains, bears witness to the religious and cultural importance of Bouxwiller throughout the centuries. The reconstruction of the 18th century, marked by plans of local architects, also illustrates the adaptation of the building to the liturgical and community needs of the time.

External links