L'Hôtel d'Ebersmunster ou Cour des Prélats

COUR DES PRÉLATS This former urban residence of the Benedictine monks of Ebersmunster, whose construction began in 1538, represents one of the earliest manifestations of the Alsatian Renaissance in Sélestat. The Prälatenhof was not only a refuge behind the city walls, but also a granary for storing the income in kind from the Prelate's lands and rights, and welcomed many distinguished guests.
Inside, the vestibule is paved with sandstone; on either side of the entrance portal are antique medallions with profiles of Romulus and Remus. The door surrounds are surmounted by shells and adorned, in some cases, with pilasters adorned with candelabras and in others with ribbons.
The building was purchased by the town in 1960 and classified as a historic monument in 1976.
NORTH GATE, FORMER MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE COUR DES PRÉLATS This monumental gateway resembles a triumphal arch, with a richly ornamental chant inspired by the Italian Renaissance (Venetian and Lombard).
The arabesque-covered pilasters feature antique-style medallions bearing the effigies of Roman consuls and German emperors. The largest of these medallions featured the heads of St. Odile?s parents, founders of Ebersmunster Abbey. All these medallions were burned in 1793-94 (during the Revolutionary Terror).
The entablature features a Latin inscription dating from 1541, mentioning the two abbots (Georges Richenbach and Jean Sengelbach) successively responsible for building the mansion. The elevation ends with a shell aedicule, a characteristic element of Renaissance decoration.

Visible from the outside. Vestibule and staircase accessible during office hours, Monday to Friday.

Opening times