Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The town hall of Ribeauvillé, built in the 3rd quarter of the 18th century, replaces an old 16th century building deemed too small. The project was launched in 1738, but work started only in 1771, under the direction of the provost Jean-Baptiste Kaess (also an architect) and Jean-Baptiste Chassain, inspector of Ponts et Chaussées. The main building, flanked by a wing housing the transplant, was completed in 1778 at a cost of 26,220 pounds. The sculptures of the lintels were made by Michel Friedrich, while the ramp of the staircase was laid only in 1824.

The facade, characteristic of the classic Alsatian style, features split chains, a pediment (formerly painted with the city's weapons) and segmental arch windows decorated with carved heads. Inside, the vestibule is marked by three sandstone columns supporting low arches, and a sandstone staircase with a wrought iron ramp. The City Council Hall (former courtroom) communicates with the Treasury Hall and vaulted archives, whose carved oak doors date back to their origins.

The building underwent several modifications: in 1790, a wheat hall was installed on the ground floor (deleted in 1813); In 1876, the walls of the 1st floor hall were covered with a red Andrinople fabric, restored in 1962. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1932, it remains a symbol of Ribeauvillé's civil heritage, combining administrative function and architectural heritage.

The old town hall, located in the Grand Rue, dated from the 16th century but was demolished to give way to this new building, designed to meet the growing needs of the municipality. Buildings acquired for construction included the Aus la Fleur Inn, located on the current Market Square.

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