Mutzig

Located at the entrance to a valley crossed by the Bruche river, the town of Mutzig nestles between vineyards and the Vosges hills west of Strasbourg. A little way off the famous Alsace wine route, this small town had its heyday up until the French Revolution, and still boasts a number of historic buildings.

The present-day Château des Rohan (18th century) defended the entrance to the Bruche valley. In the 12th century, this Wasserburg fortress was surrounded by wide moats. Later, it became one of the residences of four Rohan cardinals. The town hall (1746), in classical style, is topped by a curious bulbous tower with a jaquemarts clock. Placed in an opening in the belfry, an automaton depicting a grimacing head opens its mouth and wiggles its ears as the clock ticks away the hours. The synagogue (1787) is the oldest in Alsace; unfortunately, it is closed to the public. The Porte du Bas "Untertor" (14th century) is the most important vestige of the town's medieval fortifications.
In the 19th century, the town took on a new vocation with the construction of Fort Kaiser Wilhelm II (1893-1916) and two military barracks. A number of industries were established in Mutzig, including the Couleaux arms factory and the Wagner brewery, both of which have since disappeared.

To discover the town's hidden heritage, there are a number of signposted footpaths and walks that reveal the chapels, the flora and the construction of the fort. But the town is best known for its events, including the July 13 sans-culotte parade, the annual braderie, the beer festival and the Christmas market.

DATAtourisme France