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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint Ulrich Chapel of Avolsheim, located in the Place de l'Eglise in the Lower Rhine, has been a listed historical monument since 1862. Probably built around the year 1000 on the model of Slavic tetraconch chapels (circular core, dome, absidioles in horse iron), it presents a plan in Greek cross with absidioles oriented according to the cardinal points. Its current name, Saint Ulrich, appears only in the 15th century, long after its foundation.

In the 12th century (between 1160 and 1180), the lantern overlaid the dome drum was replaced by the present octagonal bell tower, and the interior was decorated with paintings. The latter, rediscovered in 1968, bear witness to the decorative richness of the Romanesque era. The chapel underwent major modifications in 1774: the eastern absidiole was opened and extended by a nave, a choir and a sacristy, while the other absidioles were truncated to build a stand and an entrance door dated 1774.

Initially considered a Baptistery because of its centered plan, this hypothesis was never confirmed by archaeological excavations, although the appellation remained. After the destruction of the parish church in 1911, considered too small, the chapel was preserved and restored. His Romanesque paintings, brought to light in 1968, and his unique architecture in Alsace, bear witness to medieval art and Slavic cultural influences in the region.

The chapel is now owned by the municipality of Avolsheim. Its classification among the first French historical monuments (1862) underlines its heritage importance. The small opus spicatum apparatus still visible in places, the windows in full hanger, and the chamfered impostes recall Romanesque construction techniques, while the 18th century transformations illustrate its adaptation to modern liturgical needs.

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