Twelve Apostles Stone, Stone monolith in Meisenthal, France

The Twelve Apostles Stone is a red sandstone monolith rising about 4.4 meters (14 feet) high within a forest setting, with carved apostle reliefs and religious sculptures adorning its four sides. The protected monument can be reached by following marked forest trails.

The stone is recorded as Breidestain in 1170, and its name appears in further forms in 1196, 1295 and 1592. It stood on the border line fixed from 1606 between the domains of the dukes of Lorraine and the counts of Hanau; its south side carries the Lorraine shield with the date 1609. The carved group of Christ, the Virgin and Mary Magdalene, with the twelve apostles in relief, was added in the 18th century, perhaps in 1787. It was classified as a historical monument on 16 February 1930.

The stone displays carved religious figures including Christ on the cross alongside Mary and Mary Magdalene, marked with apostle names in Gothic lettering. These carvings reveal the spiritual importance this monument held for the surrounding communities.

The stone is situated within the Northern Vosges Natural Regional Park and remains accessible year-round, with warmer months offering the most pleasant visiting conditions. Sturdy footwear is advisable since forest paths can become slippery depending on the season.

The south face bears the coat of arms of Lorraine above the date 1609, while boundary stones in the nearby forest carry the Lorraine cross with the word Lothring and the date 1605 on the side facing Bitche, and the three-chevron arms of Hanau opposite. The stone thus sits on the line fixed from 1606 between the dukes of Lorraine and the counts of Hanau.