Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing these works their unusual coloring. Notice the faint remnants of paint still visible on
some statues—then imagine all of these works brightly painted. Take a close look at the
15th-century stained glass; fine details are painted into the glass that no one would ever
see. The glass is essentially a jigsaw puzzle connected by lead. Around here, glass this old
is rare—most of it was destroyed by rampaging Protestants in the Reformation wars.
Cloister:
Step into the soothing cloister (the largest 13th-century cloister in Alsace).
This was a Dominican convent founded by (and for) noblewomen in 1230. It functioned
until the French Revolution, when the building became a garrison. Rooms with museum
exhibits branch off from here. Don't miss the wine room (next corner) with its 17th-cen-
tury oak presses and finely decorated casks. Those huge presses were turned by animals.
Wine revenue was used to care for Colmar's poor. The nuns owned many of the best vine-
yardsaround,andproductionwasexcellent.Sowasconsumption.Notice(onthefirstcask
on left) the Bacchus with the big tummy straddling a keg. The quote from 1781 reads:
“My belly's full of juice. It makes me strong. But drink too much and you lose dignity and
health.”
The rooms displaying local and folk history are worth a look. You'll see iron signs,
massive church bells, and chests with intricate locking systems. There are also ornate ar-
moires, medieval armor, muskets, old-time toys, and antique jewelry boxes.
