St Theobald's Church, Thann, France

The Collégiale Saint-Thiébaut in Thann is one of the most ornate Gothic churches in the whole Upper Rhenish region.

The building was erected between 1332 (South lateral nave) and 1516 (achievement of the tower by master Rémy Faesch from Basel. It was damaged during World War II.

The main portal of the western façade (1342–1498) is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The main tympanum, depicting 21 scenes of the life of Saint-Mary is framed by a quintuple row of sculpted archivolts, each representing several dozens of other biblical scenes, while the smaller tympana below (the northern one depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus and the southern one depicting the Birth of Christ and the Adoration of the Magi) are framed by a double row of archivolts, also depicting biblical scenes. The portal is further decorated on all sides by larger than life statues of saints displaying their attributes or acting out scenes.

The north side of the church also presents a remarkable, if somewhat smaller portal (1415), less ornate as for its sculptures but architecturally more elaborate. The outside walls of the church are decorated all around by a total of 87 statues of saints.

Another striking feature of the church is the multicolored tile roof, not unlikely to the neighbouring St. Martin church's in Colmar.

The inside of the church is as richly ornate as the outside. The choir is the most decorated part: stained glass windows (15th century), stalls (1442, expanded 1902–1906), 12 statues of Apostles (15th century), Baroque paintings (1719 and 1733). Other parts of the church display statues (Virgin with child, 1510; Saint Ubald, 16th century; Jesus bearing the cross, 17th century), remains of frescoes (15th and 16th century), a baptismal font from the 16th century, a pulpit of 1629 and several Gothic revival statues and altars.

References:

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User Reviews

Liana (2 years ago)
Magnificent jewel finished in the 16th century (started 200 years before) We did not enter but we could hear a beautiful choir from outside during the day of the Ascension.

Nguyễn Mai Trang (4 years ago)
On Wikipédia we can read: "The Thannois love to say when talking about their bell tower - Strasbourg has the highest, Fribourg the biggest, Thann the most beautiful !" Keeping this in mind, how big was my "déception" when visiting the "Collégiale" ... Rating: more than average. Not exceptional. In all cases, it can never be the best.

Martin Schmutz (6 years ago)
Un bijou! Amazing and fascinating masterpiece of gothic history. Very well maintained and fully in practice.

Frederique Arnold (6 years ago)
Gothic and flamboyant Gothic Jewell. Magnificent piece of architecture.

james morris (6 years ago)
Such an historical church! 502 years old! Amazing!

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