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Origin and history

The House Vogelsberger is a historic monument located in Wissembourg, in the department of Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region. Built in the 2nd quarter of the 16th century, more precisely in 1540, it is distinguished by its entirely sandstone architecture, irregular chains and characteristic skylights. The facade features Renaissance windows decorated with shells and ECUs, as well as an entrance door dated 1540, framed by sculptures representing Sébastien Vogelsberger and his companion Thomas Wolf in armor. These elements, associated with the talking weapons of Vogelsberger and the king of France, underline his status as colonel of lansquenets in the service of the crown.

The house was commanded by Sébastien Vogelsberger, who acquired the right of bourgeoisie in Wissembourg in 1542. Accused of betrayal by Charles Quint, he was beheaded in 1548, and his property, including this dwelling, was confiscated before being redeemed by the city in 1551. The building underwent several transformations: set fire in 1677, remodeled in the 18th century (crossette windows, interior decor), then modified in 1811 with the suppression of a medieval oriel replaced by a balcony. In turn occupied by the sub-prefecture (1804–1807), the post office (until 1871), and the German military administration, it was finally reintegrated into the communal heritage after the Second World War.

The building preserves traces of its turbulent history, such as the task marks on the Renaissance parts, a twisted-core screw staircase, and painted decorations restored several times (1876, 1907, 1935). Classified as a Historical Monument since 1929, the Vogelsberger House illustrates both the influence of Germanic architecture in Alsace and the political upheavals of the region, between the Kingdom of France and the Empire of Charles Quint. Today, it houses school annexes (Saint John and Ohleyer schools), perpetuating its anchor in local life.

The sculpted and painted decoration, including the representation of Vogelsberger and Wolf in armor, as well as the twin shields, testify to the sponsor's desire for prestige. The carved crows on the 1st floor, having once supported a missing courier, and the ground windows of the courtyard recall the initial opulence of the place. Subsequent transformations (XVIIIth century, 1811) reflect successive adaptations to civilian and military uses, while 20th century restorations, sometimes clumsy, raise questions about the preservation of original decorations.

The location of the house, at 2 quai Anselmann, makes it an important part of the urban landscape of Wissembourg. Its history in conjunction with the Franco-German conflicts (occupation by the German military administration, takeover by the city after 1945) also makes it a symbol of territorial tensions in Alsace. The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm its inscription as historical monuments, thus protecting both architectural and memorial heritage.

Finally, the protected elements include the whole structure (facades, stairs, decorations) as well as traces of the old functions (sub-prefecture, post). The accuracy of its location is estimated to be poor (note 5/10), but its official address and Insee code (67544) make it possible to place it with certainty in the Lower Rhine. The photographic credits (MOSSOT, Creative Commons license) and references to the portals of the Bas-Rhin and the French historical monuments complete the documentary resources available.

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