Altorf - Saint-Cyriaque

A benedictian abbey was founded here in 960. The first church of this abbey got consecrated in 974. Pope Leo IX, descendant of the founder, transferred the relics of Saint-Cyriaque (an early martyr) from Rome
to Altdorf, when he still was Count of Egisheim-Dagsburg.

During the 12 century this first church was replaced by a basilica, built from reddish sandstone.

Outside, high under the roof, are some interesting, pretty unique corbels.

High under the roof are some interesting, pretty unique corbels. There are a number of human heads and faces, likes this one

This seems so "modern" in style, like comig directly from the 1920s. If this is an orginal carving dating to the end of the 12tn century, then it the work very gifted artist, who could create a real icon of a face. I like the facial expression. Puzzled? Surprized? Flabbergasted?