Hiking and historic buildings
The Château de Bollwiller brings together several architectural periods. The Renaissance château on the plain retains a medieval entrance tower, former moats, coffered ceilings and remnants of 18th-century furnishings. For visitors interested in cultural history, its appeal therefore lies not only in its description as a Renaissance château: earlier structural elements and later furnishings are also part of its inherited appearance.
The hiking trails in Bollwiller are circular routes that start and end at the MJC car park. This means they share the same starting and return point, making it easy to plan your hikes. Check the local signposting before setting out.
Building history across several periods
The Château was listed as a historic monument on 19 November 2007. The listing provides a distinct historical reference point, separate from the building elements and remnants of furnishings preserved in the château. When considering its architectural history, you can therefore view its historic monument status and its architectural periods as two different aspects.
The dates for Saint-Charles Church refer to different parts: the church building dates from 1852, and the bell tower from 1861. The high altar was carved as early as 1686. It is therefore 166 years older than the church building, while the tower was built nine years later. These details link a furnishing to the building and its tower, rather than describing a single construction phase.
The Manoir d’Argenson was built in 1738 and renovated in 1992. These dates mark the construction and a later renovation—that is, two different phases in the history of the same property. Compared with Saint-Charles, the difference is that the renovation of the Manoir is dated, while the dates for the church refer to the building, tower and high altar.
When comparing the buildings, it is therefore important to consider what each date refers to: the entire building, a single structural element or a later renovation. The high altar, bell tower and Manoir illustrate these different reference points. This makes it possible to read the dates as different pieces of the town’s history.
Local history and exhibitions
Bollwiller was first mentioned in 728 under the name “Baltowiller.” In the 12th century, a noble family settled in the château; the town later became the centre of a seigneury that included Feldkirch, Pulversheim, Réguisheim and part of Ungersheim. These milestones offer a different perspective from the construction dates: first, the early mention of the name; later, the town’s role within a seigneury. The Château is thus not only part of the town’s architectural history, but is also connected to Bollwiller’s development as the centre of a larger seigneury.
The Société d’Histoire de Bollwiller holds an exhibition on changing topics almost every year. This broadens the historical perspective beyond the individual buildings. If you would like to include an exhibition in your plans, check the current exhibition programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Neuf-Brisach, Kruth, Geishouse, Freland, Battenheim, Hohrod, Magstatt-le-Bas, Sentheim.
For the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
