St. Thomas Church: Strasbourg's Protestant Cathedral

St. Thomas Church, or Église Saint-Thomas, stands as a testament to Strasbourg's rich religious history and architectural prowess. The site has been a place of worship since the 6th century, with the current Gothic structure dating back to the 12th century. The church earned the nickname 'Protestant Cathedral' after the Strasbourg Cathedral reverted to Catholicism in 1681, becoming the main Lutheran church in the city. Inside, the five-naved hall church showcases Alsatian Gothic art, with a soaring spire and intricate details. Light streams through stained-glass windows, illuminating the elaborate stone carvings. The church is home to the impressive mausoleum of Maréchal de Saxe, a masterpiece of 18th-century baroque funerary art, and the richly decorated sarcophagus of Bishop Adelochus. St. Thomas Church is also renowned for its historic organs. The 1741 Silbermann organ, played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1778, has been faithfully restored. Another organ, built in 1905, was designed by Albert Schweitzer. Visitors can explore the church's captivating tombs, including the tombstone of Nicholas Roeder von Tiersburg, and admire the medieval rose window.