Marxhof Chapel

The Marxhof Chapel, located in Niederhaslach about 40 km from Strasbourg, is a relic from Roman Antiquity. Dating back to before the 12th century, it was formerly dedicated to Saint Martin and Saint Mark. It is the last remaining witness of an old castle built near the crossing of two Roman roads, with origins dating back to the 5th century. This estate belonged to the noble Marx family of Eckwersheim, hence its name MarxKapelle. Allied with the city of Strasbourg against their suzerain, the Bishop of Strasbourg, the Marx family faced reprisals: their villa and farm were destroyed in 1262. Only the chapel, used as a family burial site, escaped destruction. In the 18th century, the provost of Haslach financed its restoration. Destroyed during the Revolution, it was bought and rebuilt by a converted Protestant, who dedicated it to the Virgin Mary in 1784. Restored from 1991 thanks to Abbé Paul Muller, it is now dedicated to the Virgin and Saint Mark. Formerly a pilgrimage site to Saint Ignatius, invoked against paralysis and epilepsy, it housed a statue in the collegiate church and a water, the Ignatiuswasser, reputed to relieve childbirth pains. Saint Ignatius later fell into oblivion. The chapel, closed to the public, can be visited upon request through Madame Josépha Gruny.