Visit of the church of Ottmarsheim – Jewel of the Romanesque art

My summary

A religious building with an octagonal plan unique in Alsace

Located on the Route Romane d’Alsacethe Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church in Ottmarsheim was built between 1030 and 1040 by Rodolphe d’Altenbourg, one of the founders of the Habsburg family, before being consecrated in 1049 by Alsatian Pope Leo IX.

The special feature of this 11th-century church is its central octagonal plan, a copy of the famous Palatine Chapel in Aachen, Germany, making it unique in Alsace. The four-level elevation and the beauty of the frescoes inside the church also make for an interesting visit.

You’re really amazed when you walk through the door of the church: it’s already pretty from the outside, but I wasn’t expecting so many wonders when I walked in! It’s well worth spending a little time here to observe all the little details.

Guided tours of the abbey church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Ottmarsheim

Even if the church of Ottmarsheim can be visited freely, I advise you to take a guided tour in order to learn more about the history of the place but also to discover all the sumptuous details of the exterior and the interior of the church.

Classic guided tours are organized on a regular basis, as well as theatrical tours. Having been lucky enough to attend one of these, I can’t recommend it highly enough. You’ll learn a lot about Ottmarsheim in the company of Rodolphe or Cunégonde, Count and Countess of Altenbourg. It’s both fun and highly instructive!

Idea for a bike ride around Ottmarsheim

If you’d like to make a day of it and take the opportunity to visit the Ottmarsheim church, I can recommend a nice bike loop through Ottmarsheim.