The Church of Saint William

The Church of Saint William and its adjoining convent were erected between 1298 and 1307 for hermit monks on the initiative of Knight Henri de Müllenheim.

  • Saint Guillaume
    Saint-Guillaume church © Archives/ Ville de Strasbourg

The sober building illustrates the ideal of poverty in  monastic orders. In 1331, Saint William’s became the parish of shipbuilders and fishermen as evidenced by the anchor decorating the spire.

Protestant worship has been celebrated there since 1534. The adjoining monastery is the residential institution of the High school now called Jean Sturm Gymnasium. The musical tradition is very lively.

In 1895, Eugène Munch created a parish choir which contributed to the re-discovery of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music. The musical group accompanied at the organ by Albert Schweitzer was internationally renowned. Every Good Friday the parish features an outstanding Passion of the German master.

 

 

Associated tours

  • Protestant Strasbourg
    A walk with photos, texts and maps to better guide your route. A tour realized in collaboration with Strasbourg eurométropole and l’Union des Églises protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine. From...

Associated notes

  • Jean Sturm gymnasium
    In 1538,  this High school was established in a former Dominican monastery by Jean Sturm, then in charge of the education policy in Strasbourg.

  • Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
    Albert Schweitzer was born in Kayserberg, in Alsace. His father was a pastor and very fond of music. He received his secondary education in Mulhouse. He was an exceptionally gifted...