Lost in time Eschau beckons. Its ancient stones whisper tales of centuries past.
Eschau a commune in Bas-Rhin department is situated 8 km south of Strasbourg. It boasts a rich history dating back to the 8th century. This small village holds secrets within its walls.
The heart of Eschau is the Église Saint-Trophime. A Romanesque church dedicated to Trophimus of Arles it stands as a testament to time. The building dates back to the 8th century but has been rebuilt many times. Its final reconstruction ended in the 13th century. The church houses relics of Sophia the Martyr in a Gothic chasse. Several 15th-century Gothic statues stand as silent witnesses. These wooden polychrome figures display artistry. The original 12th-century cloister is gone. However several capitals and Romanesque sculptures survive. These pieces by the Master of Eschau are displayed in the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame.
Eschau’s history is interwoven with the Benedictine nuns. Around 770 Bishop Remigius of Strasbourg founded a convent here. For seven and a half centuries this abbey was a significant pilgrimage site. The abbey also ran a hospital for pilgrims. The nuns cultivated medicinal plants in a monastic garden. This garden tended to the sick and the weary. In 1987 the monastic garden was recreated. It preserves this historical aspect of Eschau. The garden now features medicinal plants. It offers visitors a journey back in time. It also helps visitors understand the healing properties of plants.
Eschau’s location is strategic. It’s situated along the ancient Roman road. This road connected Augusta Roracorum and Argentoratum. Today this route is known as the Route Romane d’Alsace. The town also has the Pierre-Pflimlin bridge. This bridge connects Eschau to Neuried in Germany.
Modern Eschau offers more than just history. It has a sports and cultural complex. It also shares a nautical base with Plobsheim. Eschau offers a blend of past and present. It combines history with modern amenities.
Today Eschau stands proudly. Its history echoes through its streets. Its future is as bright as its past. It remains a place of beauty and significance. It is a hidden gem in the Alsace region. It holds an enchanting story waiting to be discovered.