Discovery circuit of Bergheim

The first known name of Bergheim, "Veredum," dates back to the Roman occupation. This occupation is evidenced, among other things, by the discovery (in 1848 and 2006) of two remarkable mosaics, one visible at the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar and the other at the old Synagogue of Bergheim.

After the Roman era, Bergheim changed lords many times: possession of the abbey of Moyenmoutier in Lorraine, then ownership of the Dukes of Lorraine who granted the town as a fief to the house of Ribeaupierre. In 1313, the Ribeaupierre sold it to the Habsburgs and in the 17th century, the city passed into the hands of the King of France (1648). Finally, in the 18th century and until the French Revolution, Bergheim became the property of the house of Ribeaupierre.

Bergheim was not a free town, but the numerous privileges granted to it were comparable to those of free towns. Among the various privileges were the right to mint coins, the right of jurisdiction, and the right of asylum (1).

In addition to being a charming medieval city, protected by towers and medieval ramparts, Bergheim is a wine-growing town. The first known mention of vineyards in Bergheim appears in a Carolingian charter dated July 25, 768. Since 1983, Bergheim has two Grands Crus:

the Kanzlerberg and the Altenberg, where Gewurztraminer, of which Bergheim has become the capital, particularly thrives.

With a nearly rectangular layout, Bergheim is traversed lengthwise by the Grand'rue. The center is occupied by a large triangular square where the town hall and a fountain from 1721 are located.

Winemaker houses are closely aligned within the city's fortifications. The oldest, constructed from masonry and half-timbering, date back to the 15th century and have gables facing the street.