Église Saint-Pierre-le-vieux - St Peter the Elder’s Catholic church

A city-centre church made up of 2 building

What is so unusual about St Peter the Elder’s church is that it is made up of 2 buildings joined to each other. In 1866, a new church was built perpendicularly to the existing Middle Ages one, forming a somewhat patchwork structure, with the oldest parts (the base of the clock tower) dating back to the 13th century and the newest ones (the stained-glass windows of the front) to the mid 20th century. The facade comprises a massive entrance tower built in the 1920s, while its nave goes back to the 15th century.

Inside, a Silbermann organ and a number of religious works of art

The church contains one of the rare Alsatian rood screens (dating to about 1500), upon which was built a Silbermann organ (1709), with a beautiful gilded case.
The star attraction, however of the church is certainly the religious works of art, including 4 beautiful wooden panels of religious scenes (the liberation of St Peter, scenes from the life of St Maternus and, crucifixion) carved by Veit Wagner, which were once part of a great altarpiece, which was unfortunately taken to pieces. Painted panels are to be seen in the choir, relating the Passion of Christ and dating back to about 1480. Four other panels, bearing the clear influence of Colmar artist Martin Schongauer (Doubt of St Thomas, Descent into Limbo, Resurrection) can be seen in the transept.