The Maison de la Sage-Femme is a historic monument located at 15 rue Trois-Églises in Riquewihr, in the department of Haut-Rhin (Great East). Built in the 2nd quarter of the 17th century, this narrow house is distinguished by its wood-paned structure and its partial integration into the wall of the city's northern enclosure, dating from the late 13th century. Its back dropper wall, in sandstone, merges with this enclosure, where two windows (including one with a stud) were pierced later. The entrance door, moulded and dated 1625, bears witness to a partial reconstruction on that date, while a passage with a sandstone staircase connects the public square to the old outdoor ditch.
According to historical sources, this building was originally erected in the 16th century to house the communal shepherd of Riquewihr. The 1625 gate suggests a major reconstruction or renovation at that time. In the 18th century, the house was occupied successively by the Protestant midwife, then, from 1771, by the Catholic sacristan. In 1801 it was auctioned before being bought by the city in 1857. The architect Rosenstiehl of Ribeauvillé established plans in 1860 to create a passage in the enclosure, made in 1868, while a window on the first floor was redone. A tasker mark is visible on the 1625 door.
Classified as a historic monument since 1930 (inscription of facades and roofs), the house now belongs to the town of Riquewihr. Its architecture combines medieval defensive elements (wall of enclosure) and civilian features of the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the urban and social transformations of the city. The passage built into the enclosure, built in the 19th century, illustrates the adaptation of historical infrastructure to modern needs. Sources also mention a location accuracy considered fair (note 5/10), with an address confirmed: 15 rue des Trois-Églises.
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