Église Saint-Michel de Reichshoffen, Classified historical monument and church in Reichshoffen, France
The église Saint-Michel de Reichshoffen is an 18th-century church on the place de l'église in the old centre of Reichshoffen, Bas-Rhin, listed as a classified historical monument since 1921. Built of Vosges sandstone in a neo-classical style, it has a broad nave with a steep slate roof, a transept, and a square tower topped by a copper-coloured dome, lantern and slender spire. The tower reaches 68.9 metres, making it one of the tallest in Alsace.
Construction of Saint-Michel church began in May 1772, with the village community funding the nave and a local lord paying for the upper part including the tower. A dispute over the sharing of costs led to a court case in which the lord was found liable, and the building was listed as a historical monument in 1921.
The five bells of the carillon weigh between 340 and 2,750 kg; their harmonious sound spared them from being requisitioned and melted down by the Germans in World War I. The two oldest date from 1786 and 1812, the latter cast for the birth of the King of Rome. In August 2011 thirty new bells were installed, forming the carillon of Europe.
The church stands on Rue de l'Église in the center of Reichshoffen and is easy to reach on foot. It is generally open during services and religious celebrations, so it is worth checking in advance if you want to visit the interior outside those times.
The tower reaches 68.9 metres, making it one of the tallest churches in Alsace. In August 2011 thirty new bells were installed, forming the "carillon of Europe". The two oldest bells date from 1786 and 1812, the latter cast for the birth of the King of Rome.
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