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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The houses located at 10-11-12 rue Latérale in Riquewihr are an emblematic historical monument of Renaissance Alsatian architecture. These buildings, dating from the 2nd half of the 16th century, are distinguished by their wooden panels structure, their crepe adorned with trompe l'oeil paintings, and their square plan with a baluster courier. Their ground floor, in stoneware, contrasts with the half-timbered floors, while painted decorations (pink, grey, white) animate the facades. The old house, in poor condition, illustrates the local Renaissance style, with elements such as an exterior staircase and a carreter door in full hanger.

The ensemble was listed as a historical monument in 1997, protecting its facades, gallery, oriel, and fence wall. The paintings would date from the early 18th century, covering an older coat also decorated. Although not visitable and abandoned, this site bears witness to the Alsatian architectural evolution, mixing elements from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Its current state raises questions about its preservation, despite its recognized heritage interest.

Riquewihr, a wine town in the Haut-Rhin, preserves a rich medieval and reborn heritage. These houses, located near Saint-Nicolas Street, are part of a characteristic urban fabric, where half-timbered houses reflect the prosperity of the merchants and winemakers of the time. Their painted decor, typical of subsequent baroque additions, shows the adaptation of styles over the centuries, while preserving the original structure. Their official protection underscores their historical value, despite the challenges of their conservation.

The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) highlight their precise location (10-12 rue Laterale) and their Insee code (68277, Haut-Rhin), as well as their integration into regional heritage lists. Their current state, described as "passable" in terms of GPS location, contrasts with their cultural importance, making them a subject of study for historians of Alsatian architecture.

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