Maison Kammerzell
Maison Kammerzell is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Strasbourg audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~20 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Strasbourg Strasbourg guide
About Maison Kammerzell
The most ornate timber-framed house in Alsace, built in 1589 beside the Cathedral, its three upper floors covered in extraordinary carved Renaissance woodwork.
Maison Kammerzell, directly beside Strasbourg Cathedral on the Place de la Cathédrale, is the finest surviving example of Alsatian Renaissance domestic architecture, and arguably the most extraordinary timbered building in France. The stone ground floor dates from 1467, but the three upper floors were entirely rebuilt and decorated in 1589 for a wealthy merchant named Martin Braun. The façade is a marvel of carved woodwork: every panel, column, corbel and window frame is covered in figurative and decorative carvings of extraordinary quality. Biblical scenes, planetary gods, the Seven Virtues and Seven Vices, portraits of emperors, hunting scenes, and mythological figures cover every surface of the dark oak framework in a density of decoration that has no equal in Alsatian architecture. The building takes its current name from a later 18th-century owner. It was saved from demolition in the 19th century by the architect Charles Winkler, who purchased and restored it. Today it functions as one of Strasbourg's most celebrated restaurants, specialising in Alsatian cuisine, and a hotel occupying the medieval timber floors above.
Did you know? The carved figures on the facade of Maison Kammerzell include the Nine Worthies, nine historical, biblical and legendary heroes considered the greatest warriors of all time, a popular Renaissance motif.
How long should you spend at Maison Kammerzell?
Plan about ~20 min at Maison Kammerzell. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Maison Kammerzell worth visiting?
Maison Kammerzell is one of the 18 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Strasbourg, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Strasbourg
Hear the story of Maison Kammerzell
Preview the Strasbourg tour free in the Gingerguide app.