Mont Sainte-Odile Monastery

The Mont Sainte-Odile monastery sits on a rocky spur 764 metres above the Rhine plain, 12 km above Obernai. Saint Odile (born c. 662) is the patron saint of Alsace, and the monastery has been a pilgrimage site since the 7th century. The buildings today are a mix of Romanesque foundations and 17th-18th century reconstruction. The panoramic terrace on the eastern side of the monastery is the main attraction for non-pilgrims: on a clear day the view extends across the Rhine plain to the Black Forest in Germany, and on exceptional days you can see the Alps. Free entry to the monastery, the terrace, and the chapels. The Pagan Wall (Mur Paien), a mysterious 10 km stone wall circling the mountain, is possibly Celtic or Merovingian and is accessible by hiking trail from the monastery (1-3 hours depending on how far you walk). The monastery has a restaurant (basic French cafeteria food, EUR 12-18) and a gift shop selling religious items and Alsatian products.