Saint Martin Church

Kintzheim, whose origins date back to the Neolithic era, was first mentioned in the 8th century under the name Künigesheim, meaning "King's Domain." At that time, the village was home to a vast Merovingian royal estate. In 774, Charlemagne detached forests from the Liepvrette Valley to give them to Fulrad, abbot of Saint-Denis, to support his monastery. Later, the estate passed to Saint Richarde, founder of the Andlau Abbey and daughter of the Count of Lower Alsace, Erchangar.

The current church, dedicated to Saint Martin, stands on a promontory in the heart of the village. This site still bears traces of ancient fortifications and once housed a religious building. The old church, too small by the 18th century (13.70 x 10.70 m), dated from when Kintzheim was under Sélestat (1341-1793). A new church was therefore built between 1844 and 1846, reflecting the faith and spirit of the community. This construction was part of a broader restructuring of the village center, including the town hall, school, and presbytery. Consecrated by the Bishop of Strasbourg André Raess on August 2, 1846, it features a style marked by harmony and space, with late Baroque influences.

Above the entrance porch stands a stone statue of Saint Martin, the parish patron. The 42-meter-high bell tower houses a gallery at 30 meters, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the village, the Vosges mountains, and the Alsace Plain. In 2000, a new weathercock was installed atop the bell tower.

Architect Antoine Ringeisen, who designed the church, also created other notable cultural buildings in central Alsace. Interior elements, such as paintings and statues, were added gradually as funds became available. In 1870, a storm and lightning severely damaged the bell tower roof. In 1917, the German administration removed two bells and 78 organ pipes to be melted down for military purposes. The bells, found near Frankfurt, were returned in 1922. A new organ, built by J. Rinckenbach in 1926, was restored in 2011 by Michel Gaillard (Aubertin manufacture).