Église des Dominicains, Gothic monastery church in Colmar, France
The Église des Dominicains is a Gothic church in Colmar featuring soaring stone vaults, pointed arches, and expansive windows that flood the interior with light. The space feels open and spacious, with religious artwork displayed throughout the nave and side chapels.
Construction began in 1283 after Dominican friars arrived in Colmar and was completed in the first half of the 14th century. About 400 years later, in the 18th century, craftspeople added Baroque decorations that transformed the appearance of the original austere design.
The church houses Martin Schongauer's 1473 triptych "The Virgin in the Rose Bush," a painting that reveals how religious art was valued and displayed in this region. The work demonstrates the local tradition of collecting masterpieces for public devotion.
The church is accessible through its main entrance located on a central street in Colmar. Visitors should be aware that access may be limited during religious services or special events.
The building was transformed in 1720 with Baroque additions, creating an unusual blend of Gothic and Baroque styles within the same space. This artistic shift reveals how tastes for religious spaces evolved over centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.