Saint Paul Church, Strasbourg

Strasbourg presents a multitude of enchanting destinations to explore, leaving you with the delightful dilemma of selecting from its array of attractions. Among these, Saint Paul’s Church stands out as a true gem, showcasing its Gothic Revival grandeur on the southern bank of an island nestled within the heart of the broadest section of the River Ill.

Originating in 1897, the edifice was constructed to cater to the Lutheran community of the Imperial German Army, who found residence in Strasbourg. Louis Muller designed this architectural marvel, drawing inspiration from Marburg's Elizabeth Church. The three large rose windows were modeled after one in Saint Thomas’ Church. The twin spires, soaring to a remarkable height of 76 meters, majestically grace the city's skyline.

The church's dimensions, wider than its length, and its incorporation of 19 distinct entrances, carry a unique historical significance. This layout was a deliberate manifestation of the army's hierarchy, meticulously assigning each portal according to rank, starting from the Emperor — during his stays — and extending down to the humble foot soldiers.

History, however, left its mark on the structure. The ravages of the Anglo-American bombings in 1944 inflicted considerable damage upon the building, including its stained glass windows. A subsequent severe hailstorm in 1958 further added to the woes of these windows. Today, the original stained glass windows remain only along the nave, and within the eastern and southern rose windows.

Beneath the rose window adorning the eastern transept, one can admire the heraldic banners representing Alsace, Baden, Bavaria, the Empire, Mecklenburg, and Prussia. Presiding within the church is a majestic pipe organ dating back to 1897, and it remains one of the largest in the Alsace region.