Architecture of Alsace

The city of Alsace is considered as the city conserving the beauty of medieval period. The charm of Alsace town is due to its Architecture. One can say that Architecture of Alsace is magnificent, incredible and varied. Alsace has preserved the traces of its religious history, a rich heritage from all the religions that have made their home here. Buildings in Alsace are mostly of old Renaissance and Gothic style with crooked, half timbered and painted house, cob, roofing in flat tiles, balconies, facades with ornate wood sculptures, on crooked lanes- all extremely pretty and very touristy. Half-timbered houses are the traditional symbol of architecture of Alsace City.

One can admire this type of construction in other areas of France but their abundance in Alsace is due to the easy availability of woods as it is situated near Vosges Mountain. Wood being more flexible can resist Earthquake better than stone. Moreover great part of Alsace remains flooded by Rhine River so use of wood makes it easy to knock down and can be moved around during the times of nature’s fury. As previously mentioned, the houses of Alsace are Half timbered the reason for this is to restrict the spread of fire.

The Cathedrals of Alsace greatly contributes to the history of Gothic Sculpture and architecture of Alsace. The beauty of this cathedral is increased by stained window glasses, mural paintings, slender pillars, tapestries forming the Virgin's wall covering, astronomical clock, etc. 

The Museum architecture of Alsace is such that it tells us about the life in the region, of its inhabitants, and about the people of the region. The museum is home to several imperishable masterpieces from the Rhine renaissance. The paintings on the walls are the most extraordinary Gothic Paintings – St Anthony's monastery at Issenheim, painted by Mathias Grünewald.

Alsace is a ground rich in Castles. The architecture of the Castle pays homage to its tradition and culture. Haut Koenigsbourg castle, Spesbourg and Wildenstein are the popular Castles of Alsace with huge courtyard, stone walls, stone stairs, armory, etc.

Some buildings have beaux art type of architecture in Alsace which is a combination of ancient Greek and Roman forms with Renaissance ideas. Such type of art became the flavored style for Museum, Government buildings, etc. It is little wonder that the architecture of Alsace is well preserved.

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