Marlenheim lies at the northern gateway to the Alsace Wine Route. Its cultural character is shaped by several distinct features: Renaissance houses with turrets, a partially protected house, the architectural history of Sainte-Richarde parish church and the religious buildings on Marlenberg. There is also a panoramic view from the Chapelle du Marlenberg and cellar tours with tastings at Vins Richard Specht. If you are planning a stay, you can give architecture, history, views and wine different levels of emphasis.
Architectural heritage: protected details and Renaissance houses
The house at 66 rue du Général-de-Gaulle is partially protected as a historic monument. The protection covers the façade with its stair turret and the outdoor staircase. Marlenheim also preserves Renaissance houses with turrets as part of its architectural heritage. These represent two distinct architectural points of interest: for the individually protected house, specific structural features are key, while the Renaissance houses are recognised for their historic style. Visitors interested in architecture can therefore look both for specific façade details and for the Renaissance style.
Church and chapel on Marlenberg
Sainte-Richarde parish church preserves masonry from the south wall of a 12th-century church, as well as an entrance portal with a sculpted tympanum. The church was also rebuilt in 1716 and restored in 1745. Its architectural history thus brings together surviving medieval features and later work: the masonry belongs to a 12th-century church, while the later dates mark its rebuilding and restoration.
The Chapelle du Marlenberg was built in 1683 and extended in 1772, when it was given a Baroque Stations of the Cross. This 18th-century work comprises seven stations made of pink sandstone. It ends with Christ on the cross, mounted on the chapel façade. The number of stations, the material and the work’s culmination at the chapel give this religious artwork a distinctive, clearly defined form.
Château, views and wine
Today’s Château Petite Sorbonne was built around the middle of the 18th century. It probably served as the residence of the bailli at the time. This building, whose former function can only be identified with some uncertainty, complements the specific architectural details of the house, parish church and chapel.
The Chapelle du Marlenberg offers panoramic views across the plain; in good weather, Strasbourg Cathedral is also visible. This additional view of Strasbourg is therefore weather-dependent. If you plan to take in this distant view, bear in mind the “in good weather” condition.
Vins Richard Specht offers wines from all grape varieties, including Grand Cru Steinklotz and Crémant d’Alsace. Cellar tours with tastings are available daily; on Sundays, they are by appointment. If you would like to include a tasting in your stay, the day of the week is an important planning detail: a Sunday visit requires an appointment.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: La Vancelle, La Petite-Pierre, Puberg, Witternheim, Fouchy, Mussig, Dettwiller, Salenthal
Back to the main travel guide: Bas-Rhin.
