Top of the World
The Maison Pfister is one of Colmar’s most iconic and photogenic buildings — a true jewel of Alsatian Renaissance architecture, standing proudly on the corner of Rue des Marchands. Built in 1537 for a wealthy hatter named Ludwig Scherer, this house blends Gothic structure with Renaissance detailing, and it marked the city's transition into a new artistic era.
Despite its name, the Pfister family didn't own the house until the 19th century. Its fame comes not just from its unusual architecture — with its timber-framed upper floors, octagonal turret, and long wooden balcony — but also from its incredible facade. The exterior is adorned with richly painted frescoes depicting Biblical figures, German emperors, and allegorical scenes that celebrate justice, wisdom, and faith — visual messages meant to reflect moral values during the turbulent Reformation period.
Every angle of the house invites curiosity: carved wooden beams, a beautifully aged stone bay window, and even a small oriel window where important townsfolk would greet the street below. At the time, owning such a residence was a symbol of both civic pride and financial power.
Maison Pfister is more than just a pretty sight — it has become a silent witness to centuries of social and artistic change in Colmar. And while it is no longer open to the public as a residence, its ground floor often hosts artisan shops or exhibitions. It remains a must-stop for history lovers and anyone with a camera — the interplay of shadow and ornamentation on a sunny afternoon is simply unforgettable.
