St. Paul’s Church

Gazing up at St. Paul’s Church, have you ever wondered about its unusual design? St. Paul’s Church possesses a unique feature. It boasts an impressive nineteen entrances. This is a stark contrast to the mere seven of Strasbourg Cathedral. This abundance of portals stems from its original purpose. St. Paul’s Church was built between 1892 and 1897 for the Lutheran soldiers of the Imperial German garrison. The multitude of entrances was designed to accommodate all ranks of military personnel. This included the Emperor himself, should he choose to visit. The church’s location, near the Imperial Palace, further underscores its connection to the German Empire. Architect Louis Muller drew inspiration from the Elisabeth Church of Marburg when designing St. Paul’s Church. However, he added his own distinctive touches. The three magnificent rose windows, modeled on St. Thomas’ Church, are a testament to his artistic vision. Originally, the nave, standing twenty meters tall, was intended to have four bays. This would have resulted in a longer building, shaped like a Latin cross. However, due to escalating costs and foundation issues, the nave was reduced to three bays. This gave the building a Greek cross shape. Despite this alteration, the church’s twin spires, soaring 76 meters high, still dominate Strasbourg’s skyline. Their prominent position on an island in the Ill River ensures St. Paul’s Church is visible from afar. St. Paul’s Church has also witnessed turbulent times. In August 1944, British and American bombing raids damaged its furnishings. A violent hailstorm in 1958 further ravaged the stained-glass windows. Ironically, this was the same storm that devastated the Botanical Garden’s historic greenhouses. Inside, the magnificent 1897 pipe organ commands attention. This organ, classified as a Monument historique, is one of the largest in Alsace and possibly Eastern France. Its sheer size and number of pipes and registers make it a true musical marvel. A second pipe organ, added to the transept in 1976, complements this sonic giant. After World War I, Alsace returned to French control. St. Paul’s Church was then handed over to the Protestant Reformed Church of Alsace and Lorraine. This marked a new chapter in its history. The grand altar in the choir was gifted to the Lutheran parish of Sarreguemines, replaced by a simple wooden cross and table. Frescoes and German verses were painted over. Germanic coats of arms in the galleries were exchanged for plain glass. These changes reflected the shift in the church’s identity and the region’s return to French rule. Today, St. Paul’s Church remains a significant landmark. It serves as a testament to Strasbourg’s complex history and its enduring spirit.