Pfister House | Colmar

Information

Landmark: Pfister House
City: Colmar
Country: France
Continent: Europe

Pfister House, Colmar, France, Europe

The Maison Pfister (Pfister House) is a prominent Renaissance merchant house located at 11 Rue des Marchands in the historic center of Colmar, France. Built in 1537, it is recognized as one of the most significant examples of architectural transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance in the Alsace region.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a four-story building characterized by its unique wrap-around wooden gallery, a two-story corner oriel window (beffroi), and a long octagonal turret. The facade is extensively decorated with frescoes and medallions. Its exterior combines a stone ground floor with timber-framed upper levels, topped by a steeply pitched terracotta roof.

Architectural Style & Materials

The building is a hybrid of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Materials: Constructed primarily from Vosges yellow sandstone and dark-stained timber.

Decorative Art: The facade features a cycle of paintings executed in the "grisaille" technique and vibrant colors. These murals depict biblical scenes, allegorical figures (such as Justice and Temperance), and portraits of Germanic emperors.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 11 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar.

Access: Located in a strictly pedestrian zone. It is a 15-minute walk from the Colmar railway station.

Transport: Closest bus stop is "Théâtre" (Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8).

Parking: Nearest vehicle parking is "Parking de la Mairie" or "Parking Rapp."

Historical Origin

The house was commissioned by Ludwig Scherer, a wealthy hatter from Besançon who made his fortune in the silver trade. Despite its name, the Pfister family did not acquire the property until 1841. They were responsible for its restoration, which led to the house being named after them. It was classified as a National Historic Monument in 1927.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The ground floor currently functions as a specialized wine boutique and gourmet shop.

Restrooms: No public facilities on-site; use the nearby Marché Couvert (300m).

Connectivity: 5G signal is stable in the street.

Shade: The narrow Rue des Marchands provides significant natural shade throughout the day.

Best Time to Visit

The "Golden Hour" shortly before sunset provides the best lighting to illuminate the mural paintings on the upper stories. Early morning (before 09:00) is necessary for unobstructed architectural photography due to heavy pedestrian traffic in this specific lane.

Facts & Legends

The house served as a visual reference for filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki during the production of Howl's Moving Castle. The octagonal turret was specifically designed to provide the owners with a panoramic view of the bustling market street while maintaining privacy.