Maison Pfister, Renaissance building in Colmar, France
The Maison Pfister is a Renaissance residence in Colmar featuring a prominent corner oriel window spanning two stories, a wooden gallery, and an octagonal turret with decorative details. The building dominates the intersection of rue des Marchands and rue de l'École, serving as a focal point in the old town.
Ludwig Scherer, a wealthy hatter from Besançon, commissioned the building in 1537 and funded it through profits from money trading operations in the Val de Liepvre. Its construction marked a significant stylistic shift in the city's architecture.
The painted panels on the facade display religious scenes alongside depictions of daily life, reflecting the values and social order of 16th century Alsace. This blend of sacred and secular imagery was characteristic of homes belonging to wealthy merchants of that era.
The exterior is visible and open for photography from rue des Marchands daily between 10:00 and 19:00. Since the house sits at a busy corner, you can view and photograph it from multiple angles without obstruction.
This was the first Renaissance building to appear in Colmar, breaking away from the medieval style that had dominated the city until then. Walking past older houses nearby makes this architectural shift immediately noticeable.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
