Cour d'Appel de Colmar (Colmar Court of Appeal), Colmar

The Colmar Court of Appeal (Cour d’Appel de Colmar) stands as a monumental anchor of Alsace’s judicial heritage. Built between 1902 and 1906 by architects Richard Kuder and Joseph Muller to serve as the Higher Regional Court during German annexation, its design draws inspiration from German baroque architecture, reminiscent of the Zwinger in Dresden and Vienna’s Belvedere. Today, it remains the highest court in Alsace, presiding over appeals from both Haut‑Rhin and Bas‑Rhin.

Colmar became Alsace’s judicial capital in 1698 with the creation of Louis XIV’s Conseil souverain. The appellate court was established in 1800 and renamed Cour d’appel in 1804, later changing names under various regimes. After the 1871 German annexation, it served as the Higher Regional Court until returning to French control in 1919.

The courthouse’s architecture is striking: the façade rests on a granite base, with pink Vosges sandstone and grey‑white stone above. A central body flanked by two wings, featuring three grand entrance doors with fluted columns, Ionic pillars supporting a triangular pediment, and a pyramidal roof adorned with balustrades and candelabra, creates a majestic silhouette. Inside, visitors are greeted by an elaborate ceremonial staircase and richly decorated hall, offering glimpses into mythological and regional imagery.

For curious travelers, the Court of Appeal offers more than architectural grandeur-it’s a testament to Colmar’s storied legal history and identity as a judicial hub. Although mainly functioning as a working court, the building is often included in tours during heritage events. Positioned just beside the Water Tower Park and near the famous Monument Bartholdi, it makes for a scenic and culturally rich stop on any cultural or architectural walking tour of Colmar.