Alsace Wine Region by Rosario Albar
Typical Half-timbered Houses in Colmar
Alsace Wine Region

The
Route du Vin is an oenophile's dream destination.� With its vineyards producing rieslings, gewurztraminers and pinot blanc among others, visitors drive through its villages for a taste of Alsatian fare.� Colmar sits at the southern tip of this wine road.� At first glance, it looks like any other bustling city.� But as you enter the center of the city, you are transported to another age.� 14th and 15th century half timbered houses, seemingly untouched by time, invite you to linger.� At every turn of its cobblestoned streets, a picture waits to be taken.

Colmar once led the Decapole, an alliance of ten cities that banded together to protect them from taxes levied by the nobility.� The Ancienne Douane (Customs House) is a 15th century building where members of the Decapole once met.

The legacy of the merchant class remains in finely detailed homes such as the Maison Pfister with its balcony and turret and the Maison des Tetes which, true to its name, is decorated with sculptured heads on the facade.� The Quartier des Tanneurs (leather maker's district) reveals what may have been considered high-rise housing in the middle ages - three or four story half timbered buildings all in a row.� The area of Petite Venise (Little Venise) has earned its title with its waterways.

The Musee d'Unterlinden is housed in a former convent with a 13th century cloister.� It is possibly one of the best small museums in Europe housing the Issenheim altarpiece by Mathias Grunewald.� This polyptych shows Christ crucified and all over his body are red sores.� Originally commissioned for a hospital where patients with skin diseases were treated, this
oeuvre reflects a true compassion for those suffering patients.� There's something for everyone to enjoy at this museum - medieval  toys, sculpture, rooms decorated in period furniture, modern art in the basement (including Impressionist paintings) and more.�

One of Colmar's best known sons is Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.� His home in Colmar displays his art (Bartholdi also painted).� There are prints and pictures of the making of the Statue of Liberty.� Elsewhere in the city are monuments created by Bartholdi.

There are many strategically located cafes in the old city so you can rest your tired feet and try some of the local wines.� Or you can go wine tasting at one of the
caves in nearby villages.

One such village is Riquewihr.� A story book town, Riquewihr is surrounded by medieval walls.� Its main street is lined with houses which have survived from the middle ages.� Take notice of the wrought iron signs as you walk up the street.� The bus to Riquewihr from Colmar passes through vineyards and stops at neighboring villages like Ingersheim and Bennwihr, two charming towns with tasting rooms.� Buses to Riquewihr leave across from the train station in Colmar and trip time is approximately 30 minutes.� You might prefer renting a car for more extensive sightseeing and wine tasting.� Avis is located next to the train station.

Colmar is easily accessible by plane from Paris or by train from Strasbourg or Basel.� Hotel rates vary according to season.� I stayed at the Hotel Le Marechal in Petite Venise.� Le Marechal is a four-star hotel in a 16th century, half-timbered house with a very good restaurant,
L'Echevin.  I asked for a light, fruity wine from the Alsace region and thoroughly enjoyed the 1997 Pierre Frick gewurztraminer I was served.  For more information about the hotel, go to www.alsanet.com/marechal.

Bon voyage!
The Cloister of Unterderlinden
House of Sculpted Heads
Maison Pfister
Last updated 1/12/05
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