Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(green-tiled roof) and land back where you started. With your back to the Customs House,
look uphill along Rue des Marchands (“Merchants' Street”)—one of the most scenic in-
tersections in town. (The ruler of Malaysia was so charmed by this street that he had it
re-created in Kuala Lumpur.)
Walk up Rue des Marchands, and you'll soon come face-to-face with the...
Maison Pfister (Pfister House):
This richly decorated merchant's house dates from
1537. Here the owner displayed his wealth for all to enjoy (and to envy). The external
spiral-staircase turret, a fine loggia on the top floor, and the bay windows (called oriels)
were pricey add-ons. The painted walls illustrate the city elites' taste for Renaissance hu-
manism.
The cozy wine shop on the ground floor sells fine wines, but they are most proud of
their locally made whisky. David enjoys offering tastings, so go ahead—take a hit and see
what you think.
Now that you're in a good mood, stand outside facing the Pfister House for a little
review. Find the four main styles of Colmar architecture: the Gothic church (right), loc-
al medieval half-timbered structures, Renaissance (that's Mr. Pfister's place), and (behind
you) the urbane and elegant shutters and ironwork of Paris from the 19th century.
• As you stagger on, check out the next building (at #9).
Meter Man:
The man carved into the side of this building was a drapemaker; he's
shown holding a bar, Colmar's local measure of about one meter (almost equal to a yard).
In the Middle Ages, it was common for cities to have their own units of length; it's one
reason that merchants supported the “globalization” efforts of their time to standardize
measuring systems.
The building shows off the classic half-timbered design—the beams (upright, cross,
angular supports) are grouped in what's called (and looks like) “a man.” Typical houses
are built with a man in the middle flanked by two “half men.” A short block farther up the
street on the left is the
Bartholdi Museum
(described later, under “Sights in Colmar”),
located in the home where the famous sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi lived. Next
door (at #28) is Au Pain Dorée, with its charming Art Nouveau facade and interior.
• A passage opposite (on the right) leads you through the old guards' house to...
