Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 20, Grand-Rue in Ammerschwihr (Haut-Rhin) is a typical example of Alsatian architecture with wooden panels. Its gable, adorned with three rows of Saint Andrew's crosses, probably dates from the 17th century, although modifications were made in the 18th century or 1858, as evidenced by the segmental arch lintel windows and an engraved date with the initials "M F". The ground floor, in masonry, overlooks a partially buried pantry, while the tip of the gable, formerly likely to house a loggia, is now covered with boards.

The house was listed as historical monuments on May 5, 1931, specifically for its carved window on the ground floor. Its spatial organization includes an inner courtyard, formerly accompanied by outbuildings, and a lateral elevation maintaining a small chambranled window. Although access to the courtyard is no longer possible, architectural details, such as the incomplete or replaced Saint Andrew's crosses, reveal the transformations that the building has undergone over the centuries.

The building illustrates the evolution of urban dwellings in Alsace, where half-timbered houses were common. These buildings served both as housing and as workspace for artisans or traders, reflecting community life centred around the Grand-Rue. The presence of the date "1858" and the initials "M F" suggest a renovation or a change of ownership at this time, although the archives do not specify the exact identity of the latter.

Today, the house of the 20 Grand-Rue remains a testament to the Alsatian architectural heritage, marked by medieval and modern influences. Its classification as a historical monument underlines its importance in the preservation of local history, while offering an overview of the construction techniques and lifestyles of the 17th and 19th centuries in the region.

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