Église Notre-Dame-au-Cierge d'Épinal, Catholic church in Épinal, France
The Église Notre-Dame-au-Cierge d'Épinal is a church building in Épinal with a rectangular body and curved facades on front and back, constructed from reinforced concrete and decorated with stained glass windows. The interior is lit naturally through side windows that create colorful patterns and guide the eye toward the choir.
The original church from 1900 was destroyed during the bombings of 1944, after which this new building was constructed between 1956 and 1958. The rebuilding project led to a modern design that deliberately departed from the classical architecture of the original structure.
The church serves as a gathering place for the local community and is appreciated for its modern design, which stands apart from older places of worship. Visitors come here to find stillness in the bright interior and observe the detailed stained glass works.
The best way to see all the details is to observe the side windows first and then move slowly toward the choir, where the special artworks are located. Visitors should allow adequate time to experience the different light effects at various times of day.
The copper portal at the entrance displays symbols of the four evangelists through enamel work by artist Léon Leyritz, an artistic detail that visitors often overlook. This craftsmanship shows how carefully modern elements were planned to honor old religious traditions.
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