Hessenheim offers two distinct points of interest for your stay: the organ and architectural history of Saint-Laurent Church, and the cycle path along the Rhône-Rhine Canal. A chapel and the Boîte à Lire add other specific places and offerings to the picture. For your planning, this presents a simple choice of focus: should culture take center stage, or would you also like to set aside time for cycling?
Saint-Laurent: Organ and architectural history
The organ at Saint-Laurent Church in Hessenheim was built in 1760 by Jean-André Silbermann for Saint-Etienne Church in Rosheim. A century later, in 1860, Joseph Stiehr transferred it to Hessenheim. Rosheim was its original destination; Hessenheim became its later location. This sequence of dates therefore tells the story not only of an instrument, but also of its move between two churches. To put it in context, 1760, the year the organ was created, should be distinguished from the dates associated with the present-day church building.
The organ's protection history also comprises two distinct stages. The organ case was placed under protection on January 11, 1977; the entire organ followed on June 14, 2010. The dates refer to different objects: first the case, then the complete instrument. Alongside the organ's origins, its protection history can thus be traced through these two dates.
The present-day Saint-Laurent Church dates from 1877, as indicated by the date inscription on the portal gable. According to oral information, construction began in 1857 under the direction of district architect Antoine Ringeisen. The years serve different purposes: 1857 marks the start of construction, while 1877 is the year from which the present-day church dates. The choir tower is the only surviving part of the former church, pointing to the earlier building. The church clock has just one hand; an angel, rather than a rooster, stands atop the tower. Saint-Laurent thus brings together information about the present-day building, the former church and the building's distinctive details.
The Hessenheim Chapel
The chapel has its own chronology, too. It was built in 1910 and handed over to the parish on October 4, 1917. The year of construction and the handover date therefore refer to two different events. The chapel is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Lourdes. It thus offers another point of interest in Hessenheim's religious architectural history: at Saint-Laurent, the focus includes the organ's history and the various construction phases, while the chapel is distinguished by its two dedications and the sequence of its construction and handover.
Cycle path and reading corner
A cycle path runs along the Rhône-Rhine Canal near Hessenheim. If you plan to use it, check the current route status before setting out. Another option is the Boîte à Lire in Hessenheim, where you can take a book or read on site. Before your visit, check whether this offering is currently available.
If you are looking for a hotel in Hessenheim, it helps to decide on your focus first: would you mainly like to explore the organ and architectural history, or would you like cycling along the canal to shape your stay? This way, you can choose Hessenheim based on the themes you actually want to include in your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wasselonne, Diemeringen, Mertzwiller, Wolfisheim, Hilsenheim, Salmbach, Gunstett, Wingen.
For the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
