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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Wildungshof House is an iconic historic monument located in Colmar, Upper Rhine department. Dating from the 4th quarter of the 16th century, it is distinguished by its Renaissance architecture, including a wooden gallery built in 1598 and a richly carved portal dating from 1566. The building, located at 12 Berthe Molly Street (formerly Jewish Street), is a testimony of the city's urban and cultural history.

In the 14th century, the building belonged to the von Wittenheim family, before passing in 1448 to Beat Henslin. The wooden gallery, added in 1598, is attributed to Samuel, son of Beat Henslin. This monument is also marked by the stay of Voltaire, who resided there thirteen months in 1753 and 1754 to complete his Empire Annals from Charlemagne, after his dismissal from the court of Frederick II.

The Wildungshof House has been partially classified as historical monuments since 12 January 1989, after the cancellation of a first inscription in 1929. Its architecture also includes an octagonal turret with a pointed roof and a carved door overlooking a staircase. These elements are a remarkable example of the Alsatian Renaissance heritage.

The precise location of the house, in the heart of Colmar, reflects its importance in local history. The building, with its architectural details and its prestigious past, illustrates the cultural and intellectual exchanges that have marked the region, especially through the presence of figures like Voltaire.

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