Church of Saint Alpin
(historical monument)
(See map inserted between pp. [198]-[199])
SAINT ALPIN
This was at first merely a chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew. In the ninth century it was placed under the patronage of Saint Alpin, when the body of this Bishop of Châlons was transported there.
Saint Alpin, like Saint Loup at Troyes, and Saint Geneviève in Paris, went out to confront Attila, and succeeded in obtaining a promise that the town should be spared by the "Scourge of God." A sixteenth century stained-glass window (the first in the south aisle) commemorates this episode in the life of the saint (photograph below). The bishop, his mitre on his head, the cross in his hand, surrounded by clergy and laymen, is pleading the cause of the town before the King of the Huns, seated on a sumptuous throne amidst his warriors. At the foot of the throne are captives in chains.
SAINT ALPIN BEFORE ATTILA (sixteenth century stained glass)