CHURCH OF RUPT-SUR-MOSELLE

Description

The church of Saint-Etienne of Rupt-sur-Moselle : The foundation of the Parish Rupt-sur-Moselle probably dates back to the 7th century after the establishment of a monastery at the top of the "Saint- Mont". At that time, a chapel was built on the site of the present church, under the name of "Parrochaige de Sainct Estene de Lonchamp"; this religious building, with its walled cemetery, was to serve as a refuge in case of attack, the inhabitants gathered there to take into account seigneurial decisions. In 1738, the first church was built in Rupt sur Moselle. In the middle of the last century, it became too small to receive all parishioners. It was decided to extend it in 1846 (Rupt sur Moselle had 4,390 inhabitants). The old church coverd an area of 360 m², the one that was built, the present one, covers 927 m².That time, it was decided, to demolish the choir and the nave dating from the 18th century, but the bell tower and its base have been kept. This part of the building asserts historical value of this church.