 Guebwiller, an ancient city that has a very interesting past, is outlined by the banks of the river Lauch on the plain. The city has been able to prosper due to the presence of several industries. Its inhabitants have given the neighboring valley of Murbach the poetic name of Florival. A monk from the 11th century named Flurandus hailed the region with the following words: "Hello Florival, you almost rival paradise with your fertile hills and hillsides covered with vines."
The abbots of Murbach were responsable for the developpment of Guebwiller as well as building the surrounding walls. Their artistic influence is still apparent today in the form of beautiful religious edifices.
The churches of Guebwiller which manifest the artistic and spiritual influence of the Abbot of Murbach are particularly interesting. The Saint-Léger church from the 12th century was built with magnificent pink sandstone and marks the transition from roman to gothic. One is surprised by the presence of two archaic ladders inside the chapel. Their presence there is explained by the following course of events that took place in 1445. |
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Hords of barbarians were ravaging the countryside and although Guebwiller was a protected by its fortified center, the enemies tricked the inhabitants. During a break in surveillance, the enemies placed their ladders on the wall. However, a woman named Brigitte Shick was secretly watching and sounded the alarm. The assailants panicked and abandonned their ladders. The ladders were saved and remain in the church to give hommage to Our Lady who protected the city.
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