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Church · Colmar, Grande Leste
Collégiale Saint-Martin
The largest church in Colmar, Gothic, built between 1234 and the mid-14th century, with a roof of colorful tiles and a bulb-shaped bell tower.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Collégiale Saint-Martin
Collégiale Saint-Martin is the largest church in Colmar and the second-largest Catholic church in Alsace, after Strasbourg Cathedral. Locals often call it a "cathedral", although it is not a bishop's seat. It was built in the Gothic style between 1234 and the mid-14th century, in Vosges sandstone.
The planned north tower was never built. In 1572 a fire destroyed the top of the south tower, which three years later was crowned with the bulb-shaped lantern that marks the city's silhouette. The roof has glazed tiles in a geometric pattern, common in churches of the region.
Inside, the choir with ambulatory was designed by Guillaume de Marbourg. There are old stained-glass windows and Baroque altars.
The church is on the Place de la Cathédrale, surrounded by old houses. A few blocks away, on Rue des Marchands, is the Maison Pfister, from 1537, Colmar's best-known house: it has a two-story wooden corner balcony, a tower with a spiral staircase, and a façade painted with emperors, coats of arms and biblical scenes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 30 minutes in the church; about 15 minutes to see the Maison Pfister from the outside.
Best time
In the morning, when light falls on the colorful roof. Avoid Mass times for wandering inside.
How to get there
It's in the middle of the historic center, about a 15-minute walk from Gare de Colmar. The Maison Pfister is on the corner of Rue des Marchands and Rue Mercière, 2 minutes away.
Tip
The Maison Pfister is a private home and can only be seen from the outside; the best angle is from the corner, to view the balcony and the tower together.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Collégiale Saint-Martin
Is Collégiale Saint-Martin a cathedral?
Not officially. It was a cathedral for a short time after the French Revolution and is still called that by locals, but it's a parish church.
Is there an admission fee to enter the church?
No, there is no entrance fee. Respect the mass times.
Can you enter Maison Pfister?
No, it's a private building. The painted façade and wooden balcony can be seen from the street.