Church of Sainte-Madeleine
Sainte-Madeleine is a Catholic church in the Krutenau, on Place Sainte-Madeleine. The present building dates from the early 20th century, but it stands beside the Gothic choir of the old church, which survived a fire in 1904. A short visit that tells several centuries of the district's history.
A convent that moved district
A first convent dedicated to Mary Magdalene was founded in 1225, near today's Place de la République, to take in repentant women. It was evacuated and then demolished around 1470 for fear of a Burgundian invasion. A new convent then settled in the Krutenau, with a Gothic church completed in 1478. That is the site you visit today, even though the buildings have changed a great deal.
The choir that survived 1904
In 1904 a fire destroyed the Gothic church. Only its late medieval choir survives, with fragments of wall paintings; it now serves as the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and its remains are protected as a historic monument. The new church was built from 1907 to plans by Fritz Beblo, at right angles to the old one. Badly hit in the bombing of 11 August 1944, it was rebuilt as it was and reopened in 1958.
In the heart of the Krutenau
The Krutenau is a lively district popular with students, just across the Ill from the Grande Île. Sainte-Madeleine is a natural find on a stroll, before heading to the quays or St William's Church. As with any parish church, visit outside service times.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Church of Sainte-Madeleine?
On Place Sainte-Madeleine in the Krutenau district, a few minutes' walk from the Grande Île.
What remains of the medieval church?
Its Gothic choir, spared by the 1904 fire, with fragments of wall paintings. It now serves as the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
Wikimedia Commons — Robert Cutts from Bristol, England, UK
