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La Maison des Têtes: A Colmar Landmark

Discover La Maison des Têtes in Colmar: A Renaissance masterpiece with a facade of 106 heads, rich history, and architectural splendor.

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La Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) is a landmark in Colmar, France, known for its German Renaissance architecture and facade adorned with 106 grotesque heads or masks. Built in 1609 for a wealthy merchant, it stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural styles.

A brief summary to La maison des têtes

Local tips

  • Take your time to examine the intricate details of the 106 heads adorning the facade. Each one has a unique expression and adds to the building's charm.
  • Visit the statue of the cooper (Tonnelier) atop the building, created by Auguste Bartholdi, who also sculpted the Statue of Liberty.
  • Explore the surrounding area of Colmar's old town, known for its charming streets, canals, and traditional Alsatian architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    La Maison des Têtes is located in the heart of Colmar's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the city. From the Colmar train station (Gare de Colmar), walk straight ahead, cross the Place de la République, continue through the Place Rapp, and then head northeast. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The TRACE bus network serves Colmar and the surrounding area. Several bus lines stop near La Maison des Têtes, including lines A, B, C, D, and F (stop: Théâtre). A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for one hour. Tickets can be purchased on the bus (cash only, no large bills) or at TRACE sales points.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Colmar, though they may not be readily available. A short taxi ride from the Colmar train station to La Maison des Têtes would cost approximately €10-€15. Prices may vary depending on demand and time of day.

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Discover more about La maison des têtes

La Maison des Têtes, located at 19 Rue des Têtes in Colmar, is a captivating historical landmark that exemplifies German Renaissance architecture. Constructed in 1609 for the merchant Anton Burger, the building is attributed to architect Albert Schmidt, who also designed the former Protestant presbytery and the House of Saint John's Knights. The building derives its name from the 106 (or 109, depending on the source) small heads or grotesque masks that adorn its elaborate facade. These sculpted faces contribute to the building's unique character and have made it one of Colmar's most recognizable symbols. The facade also features a three-story oriel window, adding to its architectural grandeur. The gable is decorated with volutes and a statue of a cooper (Tonnelier), created in 1902 by Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. This statue was commissioned by the Wine Exchange, which occupied the building in 1898. Today, La Maison des Têtes is a 5-star hotel with two restaurants. The building underwent a restoration in 2012.

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