Église St Matthieu protestante (Colmar)

In the heart of Colmar, France, stands the Église St Matthieu protestante, also known locally as the église Saint-Matthieu de Colmar. This historic church, with its rich past and striking Gothic architecture, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Alsace region. The church's storied history and beautiful design make it a captivating destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

The History of Église St Matthieu protestante

The origins of the Église St Matthieu protestante date back to the early 13th century when Franciscan monks settled in Colmar. By 1292, they began constructing a church to replace their small prayer room, completing it around 1340. The church underwent partial renovation and reconstruction in 1491, adapting to the changing needs and styles of the time.

The mid-16th century marked a turbulent period for the church. The plague struck in 1541, decimating the monastic community. By 1575, the Reformation had taken hold in Colmar, and the church became Protestant, adopting the name Matthäuskirche for the first time. However, the church's ownership would shift multiple times in the following centuries. In 1627, it was handed over to the Jesuits, only to be reclaimed by Protestant forces in 1632 under the Swedish general Gustaf Horn.

In 1715, a royal decree turned the church into a simultaneum, a shared space for both Protestant and Catholic worship. The choir was reserved for the Protestant congregation, while the nave served the Catholic community from the nearby hospital. This arrangement persisted until the French Revolution, when the building was secularized and repurposed as a military depot.

After World War II, the Protestant community regained full control of the church, and it was once again named after St. Matthew. The wall separating the choir from the nave, erected during the simultaneum period, was finally removed in 1987. Extensive renovations between 1991 and 1997 restored the church to its former glory, preserving its historical and architectural significance.

Architectural Highlights

The Église St Matthieu protestante is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, originally built as a basilica with a northern aisle and two southern aisles. Although the outer southern aisle was later demolished, the remaining structure showcases the intricate design typical of the Gothic style. The flat wooden ceilings of the nave and aisles, adorned with black vine patterns and faces from the 17th century, add a unique charm to the interior.

The church's nave and aisles are separated by pointed arches supported by octagonal pillars. The northern aisle features round-arched niches connected by a continuous sill, decorated with busts and epitaphs. The clerestory windows extend into the high walls of the nave as blind windows, creating a visually striking effect.

The church's portals are simple, unadorned pointed arches, reflecting the minimalist beauty of Gothic design. The choir, approximately 30 meters long, is distinguished by its buttresses and a slightly steeper and higher gable roof than the 43-meter-long nave. A hexagonal roof turret with a curved dome, added in 1715, crowns the choir, while the nave features a square turret with a pyramidal roof, built in 1588.

Inside the choir, visitors can find a Gothic lavabo and a rood screen with pointed arches, separating the nave from the choir. The choir's vaulted ceilings are decorated with floral patterns, adding to the church's aesthetic appeal. A wooden gallery, constructed in 1603, graces the southern aisle, providing additional space for worshippers.

Art and Artifacts

Many of the church's original Gothic furnishings are now housed in the Unterlinden Museum. However, the Église St Matthieu protestante still boasts an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts. In 1708-09, wealthy citizens of Colmar donated 15 paintings by Jean-Baptiste Wülcken, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. These paintings now adorn the gallery railing in the nave.

The church's stained glass windows span various periods, with two medieval windows depicting scenes from the Crucifixion still intact. Below the rood screen, a 14th-century composition can be found, while a scene created around 1470 by Peter Hemmel von Andlau is displayed above. Modern stained glass windows feature portraits of Martin Luther and other Reformers alongside Christ.

The church's organ, crafted by Andreas Silbermann in 1731-32, is another highlight. Originally placed on the rood screen, it was moved to the west gallery in 1862 by Joseph Stiehr and underwent several modifications over the centuries. In 1989, efforts were made to restore the organ to its original state, including raising the organ gallery in the nave to its initial height on the rood screen.

Visiting Église St Matthieu protestante

A visit to the Église St Matthieu protestante offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural splendor of Colmar. The church's Gothic design, combined with its fascinating past and beautiful artworks, makes it a must-see for anyone exploring the Alsace region. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene place to reflect, the Église St Matthieu protestante is sure to leave a lasting impression.