Just as Moses came down from the mountain, so did we (although not with any commandments), following a winding road that looked inviting. As I previously mentioned, just as we were ready to turn around, we spotted a sign for “Lautenbach.” As that’s the maiden name of my s-i-l (the one married to my brother, not the one I was visiting), I asked to stop so I could take a photo of the sign. Then we spotted an attractive church steeple and another beautiful detour was begun.
Lautenbach is a very German name but this part of France, the Alsace, has been part of Germany more than once. The town is beautiful and in the center is St. Michael Collegiate Church. Although the church looks old, as tourisme-alsace.com says:
“The former collegiate church of Saint Michael-and-Gangolphe underwent many transformations over the centuries. The nave probably dates from the 11th century, the transept, the choir and the flat chevet from the 12th century. Its vaulted porch is one of the finest in the region. The building is, however, completely restored in 1859. Decorations and additions, such as the towers, implemented by the architect of the 19th century, are questionable although they do not alter the overall aesthetic. Guided tours for groups all year round on appointment at the Guebwiller Tourism Office.”
No matter when it was built or that is was restored, it’s beautiful and worth a visit. The pipe organ has been classified as a historic monument. Let me share a few photos and let you decide.
This, that and the other thing 
I love this windows… I often used the windows for making my own story while I was in church as a child… and I once even wrote in in a notebook… the nuns who agreed to have an eye on me while my mother had an appointment were deep impressed ;o) (my mother too she feared the worst as they welcomed her with “oh look what your daughter did”)
I can imagine how your mother felt at first when hearing those words. 🙂 I love stained glass windows, too, and it’s easy to imagine writing stories about them. Glad you liked these.
janet
Beautiful church! Very intimate shots. They made me feel like I was there.
Thanks for visiting with me, Angela. It’s a beautiful church and it’s always enjoyable to find something like this accidentally.
janet
I agree. It doesn’t matter when it was built/restored, it’s beautiful. Thsnks for sharing these photos.
You’re very welcome, Dan. I’m always glad for the company. 🙂
janet
Oh, yes, a real beauty. I especially like the exterior brickwork and the very colorful stained glass.
Emilio, I love stained glass and I see many great examples in European churches. The brickwork is unusual and beautiful, isn’t it?
janet
Beautiful architecture !!! Your shots are splendid !!☺️
Thanks so much, Zee. I appreciate reading that. 🙂 It’s a grand church.
janet
Oh yes, it is like many of the churches in Bavaria. Did you get to hear the organ?
Unfortunately not. We were the only people in the church. It must be magnificent.
janet
That’s quite a church, Janet.
Ω
I’m glad you enjoyed it, too, Allan. It was a joy to find such a jewel.
How fun to come upon something like that by chance Janet! It’s a beauty but my fave is the organ. Holy smokes what a beauty! No wonder it’s a monument 🙂
Everywhere we turned, there was something beautiful. What’s not to like? 🙂
The stained glass windows are lovely Janet; but oh that honey-coloured brick exterior — is it blasphemous to call it divine?
Not blasphemous at all, Su. Just right for a church. 😊
janet
🙂
Beautiful windows, love the font — great subject and great shots! 🙂
Thanks very much, Joey. 😎
janet
Oh, my, what a beautiful church! I love the colors of the stone, and that altar frou-frou and the fancy thing above the pulpit — all so lovely! I even like that heavy, ancient-looking chalicey thing in the last picture. Is that a holy water font? A baptismal font? A bird-bath for the Paraclete? Anyway, great pictures!
I think it’s a baptismal font, Marian. It really is a jewel of a church and such a lucky find for us. Glad you could visit with us.
janet