St. Paul’s Church, Strasbourg 🇫🇷

Rising dramatically at the southern tip of an island in the middle of the largest section of the Ill River, St. Paul's Church is a major Gothic Revival landmark in Strasbourg, France. Designed by architect Louis Muller and built between 1892 and 1897, this striking structure was originally created for the Lutheran members of the Imperial German garrison.

Its unique design was heavily influenced by practical military needs: you will notice an unusually high number of portals—19 in total—crafted to give various ranks of military personnel swift access, alongside a surprisingly wide layout. Muller drew inspiration from Marburg's Elisabeth Church, gracing the building with three elaborate rose windows modeled after those at St. Thomas' Church.

Originally planned as a Latin cross, technical difficulties and costs shortened the nave, resulting in a Greek cross layout. Inside, you can admire the main tribune pipe organ from 1897, a classified Monument historique that stands as one of the largest instruments in Alsace. Despite surviving 1944 bombing raids and a devastating 1958 hailstorm that damaged its stained glass, the church remains a breathtaking sight, with twin spires soaring 76 meters (249 feet) into the sky, easily visible from far across the city.

What to see at St. Paul's Church, Strasbourg

• Dramatic island location at the southern extremity of the Ill River
• Twin spires soaring 76 meters (249 feet) high
• Unusual architecture featuring 19 distinct portals and entrances
• Three elaborate rose windows inspired by St. Thomas' Church
• Historic 1897 main tribune pipe organ, one of the largest in Alsace

Visiting tips

Look out for the church's impressive 19 portals, which were specially designed to accommodate different military ranks during the Imperial German period.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Paul's Church, Strasbourg is easy to reach on Strasbourg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Musée alsacien and Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Strasbourg travel guide.