Saint-Symphorien Church

In the mid-19th century, the industrialization of the town of Illkirch led to a significant population increase. The local church, which had become too small to accommodate the faithful and practice simultaneum, required the construction of a new building. Thus, Saint-Symphorien Church was erected between 1863 and 1865 according to the plans of architect Heinrich Hubsch, originally from Karlsruhe. The two towers, reaching 42 meters high, were only completed much later, between 1890 and 1892. From 1866, an organ made by Joseph Stiehr was installed in the church, whose architecture is in the neo-Romanesque style, characterized by its sobriety and simplicity, very popular between 1860 and 1900. This style continues the neo-Gothic tradition but distinguishes itself by a more refined and monumental approach. The choir stained glass windows, created by Baptiste Petit Gérard, are inspired by those of Strasbourg Cathedral, to which the artist contributed during its renovation. They depict the Virgin and Child, surrounded by Saints Symphorien and Catherine of Alexandria, with a medallion illustrating the Annunciation. The nave stained glass windows, dating from 1924, were created by the painter Kuder from Strasbourg and produced by the Van Freeck workshop in Munich. Finally, a polychrome wooden sculpture of the Virgin and Child, titled The Immaculate Conception, has adorned the church probably since its inauguration in 1865. The Virgin is depicted crushing a serpent, symbolizing original sin. The polychromy of the work was restored in 1970, and the Virgin's cloak was covered with gold leaf, enhancing the solemnity of this major piece.