Collegiate Church Saint-Thiébaut

The Collegiate Church is one of the most typical Rhenish Gothic buildings in Alsace. It owes its name to the Canonical College of Saint-Amarin founded in 1442. The construction of the Church took more than two centuries, from the end of the 13th century to 1516 (end of the construction of the spire, real stone filigree).

The main façade is decorated by a remarkable gateway unique in France : three tympanums relating 150 scenes embellished with 500 figures depict, the life story of the Virgin, the Nativity with the three Magi, and the Crucifixion. Inside all three Gothic styles are represented : early, rayonnant and flamboyant.

Carved in oak and walnut, the choir stalls, constituting the largest structure of this type in Alsace. The stained glass windows (XVth century) testify the richness of the building, place of pilgrimage to Saint-Thiébaut since the 13th century.

Open from October to May from 8 a.m. to 12 and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), from June to September from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The guided tours could be cancelled or put off in case of church services.

Reservation minimum 1 week before the date of the guide tour.
Guided tours are not provided in 25th December and 1st January.

The Legend of Saint-Thiébaut

In 1160, Bishop Thiébaut died in Gubbio, in Ombria (Italiy). Before his death, the holy man (who had given his entire fortune away to the poor) promised his servant his episcopal ring as a reward for his faithful services. After the bishop's death, the servant, trying to get the ring off, pulled off the whole thumb. With the precious relic hidden in the knob of his pilgrim's staff, he set out for the Netherlands, his homeland.

In June 1161, after crossing the Alps, he reached Alsace and the place where Thann, then covered with a large forest of fir trees, stands today. As he was tired and longing for rest, he leaned his staff against a tree. But, to his fright, when he wanted to set out on his way, he discovered that the staff seemed to have taken root. At the same time, three bright lights shone forth from the top of the tree.

From the Engelbourg castle, the Earl of Ferrette caught sight of them. He came down, asked the pilgrim to tell him his story, interpreted it as a divine sign and promised to build a chapel. Then the staff war released. The Earl was as good as his word and had built a chapel. 30th of June : Cremation of the three fir-trees.