Siewiller: Parish Church, Boundary Stones and History

These themes give the place its distinct character and can be understood through specific place names, buildings and dates. Siewiller is located in the natural region of Alsace Bossue; at the same time, the Church of Sainte-Dorothée, boundary stones and Ellenbach’s history point to different historical contexts.

Siewiller in Alsace Bossue

The natural region of Alsace Bossue lies between the Lorraine plateaus to the west and the Vosges massif to the east. Siewiller is therefore situated between two named landscape areas: the plateaus lie to the west, and the Vosges massif to the east. This provides a regional point of reference without reducing the landscape to just one of the two sides. The main transport routes from Siewiller are the RD1061 and the A4 motorway. If you are travelling by car, check the current driving conditions before setting off.

Parish Church and Historic Buildings

The construction phases of the parish church of Sainte-Dorothée date to 1846 and 1896, half a century apart. The bell tower stands separately, yet is connected to the nave by a covered passageway. Its freestanding position and its connection to the church building are therefore both part of the architectural picture. The ensemble also includes an enclosed area, a Lourdes grotto and a monumental cross. The construction dates and the features described offer different clues for understanding the church and its ensemble.

Another dated building is Millerpetershuss: it dates from 1756 and is among the oldest buildings still standing in Siewiller. In the 1960s, it was still known as “Millerpeters Hüss.” The year 1756 marks the construction date of this building, while the years 1846 and 1896 refer to the construction phases of the parish church. Thus, a single construction date and two church construction phases stand alongside one another as distinct historical dates.

Boundary Stones and Ellenbach

Most of Siewiller’s boundary stones bear the date 1767 on one side and a sequential number on the opposite side. They marked the former boundary between the County of Sarrewerden and the Duchy of Lorraine. The date and number serve different purposes: the date is the same on most stones, while the numbering distinguishes the individual markers. Together, they provide a specific reference to the former political boundary.

Ellenbach is also connected with Siewiller’s history. One of the village’s earliest mentions appears in a document from the Benedictine Abbey of Wissembourg dating to 847. Ellenbach is considered to have been abandoned between 1570 and 1580; its territory was divided between Siewiller, Ottwiller and Drulingen. In the 19th century, the foundations of a chapel were partly uncovered. These details represent different historical traces: an early written mention, the abandonment of the village and the later uncovered chapel foundations.

Organic Chicken to Order

Ferme des Tuileries in Siewiller sells organic chicken to order. If you are including this in your travel plans, confirm the ordering arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Bischheim, Ostwald, Krautergersheim, Dorlisheim, Climbach, Urmatt, Valff, Brumath

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.