Maison Pfister: A Renaissance Jewel in Colmar

Maison Pfister, located at 11 Rue des Marchands, stands as a proud symbol of Colmar's rich history and architectural beauty. Constructed in 1537 for Ludwig Scherer, a wealthy hatter, it showcases the transition from medieval to Renaissance architectural styles in the region. The house replaced a previous building known as the "Red Rooster" or "Black Hands". The building's most distinctive features include its two-story corner oriel, a wooden gallery, and an octagonal turret. The façade is decorated with vibrant frescoes attributed to Christian Vacksterffer, depicting Germanic emperors from the 16th century, along with biblical scenes, evangelists, and allegorical figures. The paintings reflect the values and social structure of 16th-century Alsace. Over the centuries, Maison Pfister has had several owners, including Charles Macker and François Jean Pfister, whose name it bears today. Since 1892, it has been owned by the Judlin family, who restored it in 1909. The building was classified as a historical monument of France in 1927 and underwent further restoration in 1971 and 2012. While the interior is not typically open to the public, the exterior remains a popular attraction for visitors. Today, the building houses a vine shop.