Thann, the cute, little town that marks the entrance to the Thur valley, is a place simply full of legends. Visible from far and wide, the tower of the St. Theobald Minster recalls a time when Thann was an important stop on the pilgrim's route. The imposing double portal on the west facade was decorated in the 14th century and contains over five hundred figures depicting one hundred and fifty scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
The town was founded in the 13th century. According to tradition a servant of Bishop Theobald, from Gubbio in Italy, was carrying the saint's thumb in his pilgrim's staff. One night he wandered into the woods and witnessed a miraculous sight - three lights burning brightly in the fir trees. A chapel for pilgrims was built on the site, that later grew into a town. This story is depicted in a relief in the minster.
This legend is at the centre of the “Cremation des trois sapins” (the burning of the three firs), a popular celebration that takes place every year on the 30th of June. A holy mass and a torch light procession are followed by the burning of the three fir trees in front of the minster and a fireworks display completes the festivities.



Legend
opening times :
daily 8h-12h, 14h-18h (19h in the summer), admission free
Access :car, bicycle, on foot

Legend