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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The house at 3, Rue des Écuries in Riquewihr is an emblematic building of Alsatian heritage, built in the 4th quarter of the 16th century, more precisely in 1577. It is distinguished by its facade in stoneware, its two-storey oriel (partly in wood panel) and an entrance door in a braid, decorated with initials (DVDB) and an armored shield. A "1577" vintage is also engraved on a raven under the entrance passage, confirming its date of construction. Inside, there are ancient elements such as curved wooden poles, a straight staircase with console, and a ceiling with caissons on the 2nd floor. The cellar, partially vaulted in a cradle, and the door windows complete this remarkable architectural ensemble.

The house was built for Dominik uf der Bruck by the master mason Anthoni Mutzat, originally from Milan, who also intervened in 1579 for another residence in Riquewihr (5 rue du Cheval). Damaged during the Second World War (as illustrated by a 1946 photograph), it was then restored and transformed into a hotel-restaurant, with changes affecting the courtyard and outbuildings. Ranked a historic monument in 1930, its protection is specifically concerned with the main façade, the main façade and the roof.

The architecture of this house reflects the influences of the late Renaissance in Alsace, mixing local sandstone and wooden structures. The initials "DVDB" and the Armoured Ecu suggest an easy sponsor, probably linked to the aristocracy or the merchant bourgeoisie of Riquewihr, then prosperous city thanks to the wine trade. The task marks, such as that attributed to Anthoni Mutzat, illustrate the craft practices of the time, where the workers signed their achievements. Today, this building embodies both the urban history of Riquewihr and the constructive know-how of the sixteenth century.

The location of the house, on 3 rue des Écuries, in the historic center of Riquewihr, highlights its integration into a preserved medieval urban fabric. The town, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, owes part of its charm to these half-timbered houses and their carved decorations. The designation of historic monuments in 1930 helped to safeguard this heritage, despite the hazards of the conflicts of the twentieth century. Subsequent transformations (hotel-restaurant) demonstrate a desire to reconcile preservation and contemporary use.

The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm the importance of this monument in the Alsatian architectural landscape. The protected elements — facade, oriel and roof — highlight characteristic construction techniques, such as the use of carved crows or coffers. Although the interior has been partially remodelled, the ancient remains offer an overview of the domestic amenities of the period, from vaulted cellars to noble floors decorated with carved wood.

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