Sainte-Madeleine Church, Strasbourg
Despite its relatively small size and lesser significance compared to larger churches in Strasbourg, Saint Madeleine Church possesses its own charm and is certainly a worthwhile destination for a visit. Originally established as part of the Sisters of Saint Mary Magdalene Convent in 1478, the church followed the Gothic architectural style of its time. Regrettably, only fragments of the original decorative frescoes in the chancel have survived to the present day.
Tragedy struck in 1904 when a fire ravaged the church, causing significant damage. While initial plans by the city council aimed to demolish the remaining ruins, architect Fritz Belbo intervened in 1907 with a proposal to reconstruct the church. The subsequent rendition of the church, designed in the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style, emerged larger and with a more airy ambiance than its predecessor. The interior, adorned in minimalist white tones, featured elegant arches and tall windows that welcomed sunlight, casting vibrant patterns across the floor.
The church, like many other structures in Strasbourg, endured substantial destruction during the bombings of World War II. Once again facing the threat of demolition, the church narrowly escaped this fate in 1958. It was eventually rebuilt according to Belbo's original vision, preserving its historical essence amidst the city's trials and tribulations.
Tragedy struck in 1904 when a fire ravaged the church, causing significant damage. While initial plans by the city council aimed to demolish the remaining ruins, architect Fritz Belbo intervened in 1907 with a proposal to reconstruct the church. The subsequent rendition of the church, designed in the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style, emerged larger and with a more airy ambiance than its predecessor. The interior, adorned in minimalist white tones, featured elegant arches and tall windows that welcomed sunlight, casting vibrant patterns across the floor.
The church, like many other structures in Strasbourg, endured substantial destruction during the bombings of World War II. Once again facing the threat of demolition, the church narrowly escaped this fate in 1958. It was eventually rebuilt according to Belbo's original vision, preserving its historical essence amidst the city's trials and tribulations.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Strasbourg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Sainte-Madeleine Church on Map
Sight Name: Sainte-Madeleine Church
Sight Location: Strasbourg, France (See walking tours in Strasbourg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Strasbourg, France (See walking tours in Strasbourg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Strasbourg, France
Create Your Own Walk in Strasbourg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Strasbourg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Strasbourg, which celebrated its bimillennial anniversary in 1988, is a city with a very rich heritage. Among other historical monuments found here is a wealth of ancient churches and cathedrals, representing a variety of architectural styles. Exploring Strasbourg on foot, one is inevitably drawn to visit some of these locations. Here are some of the best known places of worship in the city.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Strasbourg Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of France's Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg is often referred to as the "crossroads of Europe". Indeed, the city's name, emerged after the 5th century AD, is the German for 'town (at the crossing) of roads'. Adding truth to it today also is the European Parliament that has been seated at Strasbourg since 1949.
The vicinity of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The vicinity of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Famous Squares Walking Tour
Justly reputed as one of the most beautiful cities in all of France, Strasbourg greets visitors with an array of picturesque squares. Among the most famous of them are:
Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.
Place Gutenberg – a definite “must-see” in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, not... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.
Place Gutenberg – a definite “must-see” in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, not... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Strasbourg Downtown Walking Tour
Strasbourg – the daughter of the Rhine River – is rich in history, architecture and gastronomy. This is particularly true of the downtown part of the city, the Grande Île or Große Insel in German, which means "Large Island" – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
At the centre of the island lies Place Kléber, the city's central square and main meeting... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
At the centre of the island lies Place Kléber, the city's central square and main meeting... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles