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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Sainte-Catherine convent, also known as the former Catherinettes Church, is a historic monument located at 8 Kléber Street in Colmar (High Rhine). Founded in the 3rd quarter of the 14th century, it was built between 1316 and 1371 for the Dominican sisters of Sainte-Catherine, with a nave completed in 1436. The convent depended on the diocese of Basel, successively attached to the ecclesiastical provinces of Lyon and Besançon. Its Gothic architecture is distinguished by a unique openwork bell tower in Colmar, an apparent structure and broken arch windows. The choir, composed of five spans with foothills, bears witness to the importance of the site in the Alsatian religious landscape.

After the departure of the nuns in 1792, the buildings were reassigned to civilian uses: military hospital, agronomic center, and then semi-internship medical-pedagogical before welcoming the tourist office. In the 19th century, the choir's bedside was partially destroyed during roadworks. In 1948, artist Gérard Ambroselli painted a fresco summarizing the history of Alsace in the nave. Between 2003 and 2006, the bell tower and its arrow were restored. Ranked a Historic Monument since 13 June 1903, the convent remains a symbol of the Colmarian heritage.

The building illustrates the evolution of religious and civil usages in Alsace, moving from a monastic place of life to a versatile public space. Its early classification (early twentieth century) highlights its architectural and historical value, while recent restorations guarantee its preservation. The fresco of Ambroselli adds an artistic and memorial dimension, linking the monument to the regional identity. Today owned by the municipality, it embodies both the Dominican past of Colmar and its adaptation to contemporary needs.

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