Church of Saint Maurice

About

The (former) Abbey church Saint Maurice (French: Abbatiale Saint-Maurice) is the main attraction of the village of Ebersmunster near Séletat, Alsace. The church completed in 1727, the work of Vorarlberg architect Peter Thumb, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in France.

Description: Saint Maurice served as the abbey church of a now defunct Benedictine monastery, founded in the 7th century and belonging to the oldest in Alsace. The relatively plain exterior of the building, construction of which was started in the late 17th century to replace a much older predecessor, is related in its rectangular floor plan to a medieval form of architectural language and indicators noting of the richness of the interior design and furniture. These are widely the work of Tyrolean artists: the ceiling paintings (1730–33), with depictions of the legends of Mauritius and of Benedict are by Josef Mattes (nave) and Joseph Mages (chorus, transept, crossing); the kiln and denominations were also made by Tyroleans. Some Alsatians and Germans were ever involved in the design of the bright and colorful interior: The expressive Samson pulpit (see also St. George's Church, Seletat...