Saint John the Baptist Church

The Abbey of Saint John the Baptist is a former convent of nuns located in Saint-Jean-Saverne in the Bas-Rhin department. Founded in 1126 at the initiative of Pierre de Lutzelbourg, the establishment, which was dependent on the Abbey of Saint George in the Black Forest, was consecrated in 1127 under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. After prospering in the Middle Ages, the convent declined from the mid-15th century due to wars and the rise of Protestantism. After the annexation of Alsace by France in 1680, the connection with the Abbey of Saint George was severed, and the convent came under the direct control of the King of France. The return of peace in the 18th century opened a small golden age for the convent, during which several conventual buildings were reconstructed. The Revolution ended this prosperous period: the community was dissolved in October 1792, and the properties were sold as national assets.

Due to the destruction during the Revolution and the sale of the buildings, most of the conventual buildings have disappeared. Nevertheless, the jewel that remains is the Abbey Church of Saint John the Baptist, built around the middle of the 12th century, preserving mostly its original Romanesque style, except for the bell tower-porch built around 1730. The other main surviving building is the Gastbau, which served as accommodation for the abbess, the prior, and distinguished guests, and later became the town's school. However, only a small part of the cloister and the common areas remain, converted into residences, while the Sainte-Agathe chapel was demolished in 1827.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Rue de l'Église 67700, Saint-Jean-Saverne, France

Details

Founded: 1126
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)