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Maison Pfister: A Renaissance Jewel in Colmar

Admire Maison Pfister, Colmar's iconic Renaissance masterpiece, with its ornate façade, octagonal turret, and rich history dating back to 1537.

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Maison Pfister, built in 1537, is one of Colmar's most iconic landmarks, exemplifying Renaissance architecture in Alsace. Admire its ornate woodwork, octagonal turret, and façade adorned with biblical scenes and Germanic emperors. Though the interior is not generally open to the public, the exterior is a feast for the eyes.

A brief summary to Maison Pfister

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, perfect for photography.
  • Explore the surrounding streets of Colmar's historic district to discover other architectural gems and local eateries.
  • Take a self-guided walking tour to fully appreciate the historical context and significance of Maison Pfister.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Maison Pfister is located in the heart of Colmar's historic district, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Unterlinden Museum, walk east along Rue des Unterlinden, then turn right onto Rue des Marchands. The Maison Pfister will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by train at Gare de Colmar, take bus lines 1, 2, 4, or 5 towards the city center. Get off at the Théâtre stop, which is near the old town. From there, walk along Rue des Marchands to Maison Pfister. The bus journey takes about 10 minutes, and a single ticket costs €1.50. Alternatively, a free shuttle is available from the train station to the city center.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available near Maison Pfister. Parking Rapp and Parking Saint-Josse are both within a 10-15 minute walk. Parking Rapp is an underground car park, while Parking Saint-Josse is an outdoor lot with some shaded areas. Parking rates generally start at €1.50 per hour. Some car parks offer free parking for the first hour. Be aware that parking in the city center can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.

Unlock the Best of Maison Pfister

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Discover more about Maison Pfister

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.

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