History
Kaysersberg, was to be known before 1100, time of foundation of the Benedictine priory of Alspach, upstream of Kaysersberg.
This priory was transformed into a convent of Clarisses in 1282.
The emperor Frederic II had a castle built at a strategic point : both on a throttling of the valley
and on a hill dominating the road towards
Lorraine, on the western side of the Vosges mountains. <
" Keisersperg " or " Mount of the Emperor ", is quoted in 1227 and owes its existence to the castle.
Indeed, this castle quickly gave rise to an agglomeration. It was fortified as of the 13th century and in 1293 was endowed with the same privileges as Colmar.
Kaysersberg was part of the " Decapolis " from 1354 until 1648.
The population took part in the Peasants' War of 1525.
Annexed by France with the other imperial possessions in Alsace.
Fatherland of the world known Doctor Albert Schweitzer.
Sightseeing
Historical and old city, Kaysersberg shelters numerous chefs d'oeuvre and old vestiges.
Pre-historic surrounding walls of the " Firstischberg " and of the " Sommerberg ".
Vestiges of a Roman villa nearby the " Petrosa way ", ancient roman military way connecting Toul in Lorraine to Breisach in Germany, located just across the Rhine river.
Many and beautiful old fortifications:
the fortified bridge with an oratory, on the Weiss river, of 1514
the tower of the Hospital or " Spitalturm " of the 15th century
the tower known as " Kesslerturm "
or " Ironmongers' Tower " of 1407
the tower known as " Obertorturm "or " Tower of the Upper Gate "
the " Witches' tower " or " Hexenturm "of the 15th century.
Urban site of 16th and 17th centuries, the old city kept its character almost entirely.
Ruins of the castle built from the 13th to the 16th century, the Town Hall of 1604.
Houses of Renaissance style on " General de Gaulle's street.
The house " Haffner ". The house of the museum of 1521. The former " Public Baths house " of 1617.
The district of the fortified bridge with its houses of the 16th and 17th centuries. The banks of the Weiss river.
The " Potters' street " with houses of the 16th century.
The house where the world known Doctor Albert Schweitzer used to live, today museum.
The fountain of 1521, in front of the church of the 13th till the 16th centuries:
its western frontage with the tympanum painting: the " Crowning of the Virgin " and her principal nave of Roman style (towards 1230) low sides and the choir of Gothic style of the 15th and 16th centuries,
its bell-tower of 1827,
its sculpted wooden altarpiece of 1518, by Hans Bongart and representing of the scenes of Passion,
the Holy Sepulchre from 1448 to 1514
the Deposition of the beginning of the 16th century, a beam of glory of around 1500 (Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint Jean)
several statues of the 15th and 16th centuries
a pulpit Renaissance style
furnace bridges and the organ case of the 18th century
a stained glass window in the vault
murals of 1464: " Christ of the Palms and Virgin " of the end of the 14th century
the statues of the 16th and 17th centuries
a stained glass of the 15th representing Saint Michael.
The convent of Franciscans currently sheltering the hospital with its cloister of 1483, the church of 1780, a Mount of Olives of 1510, behind the church.
The vault of " Oberhof " or " Upper Farm "of 1391 with its statues of the 14th and 15th centuries.
The vault Saint Wolfgang of 1519, which was the cellar of the former leper-house.
The remainders of the abbey of Alspach founded at the 12th century are on the yard of the paper mill.
The frontage of the church of the 12th century. A stone crucifix of 1511, behind the church.
Miscellaneous Informations
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Summer health resort, on the Route Romane d'Alsace.
Museums :
- Local history, art, medieval and Renaissance sculptures,
- Albert Schweitzer. his African wellfare work from 1913 till nowadays.
- Site of the city.
Forest with river and brooks. Forests of exploitation.
Vine: Route des Vins d'Alsace, many wine tasting small cellars.
Orchards.
Local fair July 14th and 15th and on the 2nd following Sunday.
Hunting, fishing, hikes.
Camp-site.
Vacation village.
Traditional craft industry.
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