Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 9 Turenne Street in Colmar, Upper Rhine, is a remarkable example of Alsatian civil architecture, built in several phases. The oldest elements date back to the early 17th century, as evidenced by the 1605 vintages (first floor of the Oriel) and 1620 (inner courtyard). These dates confirm its early origin in the historic district of Colmar, a city marked by its membership of the Holy Roman Empire and its commercial dynamism.

In the 19th century, probably during the 3rd quarter, the building underwent transformations or additions, incorporating more recent styles while retaining Renaissance features, such as three-storey løoriel on the façade. This oriel, typical of Rhine architecture, illustrates the influence of Italian and Flemish models in the region. The facades and roofs, characteristic of this evolution, were protected by an inscription as historic monuments on June 18, 1929, thus recognizing their heritage value.

The architect Samuel Friedrich is associated with the design or transformation of this house, although the sources do not specify exactly its role (initial construction or subsequent modifications). The house today embodies the mixture of eras and styles that shaped Colmar, a city preserved for its medieval and Renaissance heritage. Its ranking also reflects the importance attached to the conservation of Alsatian civilian buildings after the First World War.

The location of the house, in the heart of Colmar, suggests its integration into a dense urban fabric, probably linked to artisanal or commercial activities. Oriels, like that of this house, often served to expand the living space while affirming the social status of the owner. Their presence in the Alsatian cities reflects relative prosperity and intense cultural exchanges between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) underline the architectural value of the building, but remain unclear about its precise use over the centuries. The 1929 inscription refers only to facades and roofs, indicating a desire to preserve the outer envelope rather than interior layout. Today, the house contributes to the tourist attraction of Colmar, a city renowned for its historical centre classified as a protected area.

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