Dompeter Church

The Dompeter Church, located in Avolsheim in Alsace, is considered the oldest church in the region. It stands in the middle of fields, away from the village, on the Saint James Way to Compostela. According to legend, it was founded by Saint Materne in the 7th century, as evidenced by the remains of its foundations discovered in 1914. The original building, consisting of three naves and a semicircular choir, was expanded in the 11th century with the addition of two extra bays, then consecrated by Pope Leo IX in 1049. Elements from this period remain, such as the pillars, large arches, and lintels of the side doors. The porch tower, destroyed by lightning in 1745, was rebuilt in 1767. The Dompeter was a medieval pilgrimage site, attracting worshippers who came to be healed at the nearby Sainte Pétronille spring. After losing its parish status in the 17th century, it was abandoned following the French Revolution. Restored in 1933 by the Scouts of France, it has since housed a sandstone memorial altar honoring the 185 Alsatian scouts who died for France. Group visits are possible by reservation through the Tourist Office.