Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Urbain d Dedicated to Saint Urbain, patron of the winemakers, it reflects the influence of the Counts of Eguisheim, although its precise origins remain partially obscure.

The first place of worship in Orbey was attested as early as 1049 by a papal bubble, and the parish became autonomous in 1398. Prior to the arrival of the monks from Pairis Abbey around 1138, a modest church already existed, probably linked to the monitoring of the Tannach and Weiss valleys. After the disappearance of the monastery of Sainte-Croix-en-Plaine in 1536, the patronage was transferred to Pairis, and the church was placed under the protection of Saint Urban.

The population growth of Orbey led to the construction of several successive buildings: a second church, then a third Romanesque style from 1760. In the 19th century, Mayor Eugene Lefebure initiated the construction of a new building, completed after decades of construction. The church suffered major damage during the two world wars (1914–18 and 1940–1945), requiring a complete reconstruction between 1957 and 1967 under the aegis of Bishop Jean-Julien Weber.

The current architecture differs from previous locations: the church was reoriented perpendicular to its original site, and the cemetery moved. In 1858, as the work continued, the priests sought the donations of the inhabitants to embellish the building, adding stained glass, paintings and mosaics. The foundations of an old tower, discovered during constructions, suggest an initial role of strategic monitoring.

Today, the Church of Saint Urbain bears witness to a complex history, marked by destruction and rebirth, while maintaining links with local abbeys and Alsatian religious life. Its organ and artistic heritage, like stained glass windows, reflect community contributions over the centuries.

External links