Maison des Chevaliers de Saint-Jean, house in Colmar, France
The Maison des Chevaliers de Saint-Jean is a Venetian Renaissance building in Colmar featuring two separate structures connected by a two-story arcade gallery with stone balustrades and curved archways. The façades display intricate detailing with mullioned windows typical of the period.
The building was designed in 1608 by architect Albert Schmidt following Venetian design principles popular in Europe at the time. During the 19th century, it was demolished and subsequently rebuilt according to its original plans.
The façades with their mullioned windows and rose motifs show how Venetian design reached the Alsatian region during the Renaissance. These details reveal the architectural connections that tied distant European cities together in that era.
The building can be viewed from Saint-Jean Street or from Grand-Rue, both entrances offering perspectives on the connected structures. Visitors should allow time to examine the façade details, as these are fully visible from the outside.
Despite its name, this residence never belonged to the Knights of Saint John, presenting an intriguing historical puzzle. The true origin of its name remains unclear and continues to be discussed among historians.
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