Marckolsheim: Discover Its History and Heritage

Marckolsheim’s history can be explored through tangible traces: a medieval moat, a casemate on the Maginot Line and a settlement whose reconstruction history is visible in its different house types. There are also a church, a former synagogue and a discovery trail through various parts of the town. These themes can shape your trip when you choose a hotel for your stay.

Fortification Remains and the Maginot Line

The moat is a surviving remnant of the fortifications built from 1330 onwards. Remains of the northern town gate can be seen on the bridge spanning the moat. Both are traces of the medieval town fortifications and can also be explored on the “Sur les pas du loup” discovery trail, which passes by the moat.

Another chapter in the town’s history takes you back to June 1940. Casemate 35/3 was Marckolsheim’s main defensive post and still bears traces of the German offensive. With two firing chambers, it was intended to protect an important crossing over the Rhine. Since 1971, the casemate has housed the Musée Mémorial de la Ligne Maginot du Rhin. Its collection includes objects relating to the fighting in June 1940. Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement.

Reconstruction and Historic Buildings

The Cité Paysanne was built from 1941 by the German government, with three types of housing: small workers’ homes, medium-sized farms for farmers and large hereditary farms. The different types offer a tangible insight into the various forms of this settlement project. The Cité Paysanne is considered a notable example of the reconstruction program for the so-called “Ordre Nouveau” communities.

The Cité Paysanne is listed in its entirety as a “Monument historique.” This includes fourteen model farms—ten agricultural farms and four blockhouses—as well as the associated urban-planning and landscape features. It was listed by decree dated 24 October 2012.

Individual buildings also offer points of reference through their construction dates and former functions. The former synagogue on Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville was built in 1961; the former cantonal court in Marckolsheim dates from 1864. The present-day Church of St. George was built from 1961 and consecrated on 7 June 1965. The church contains a Romanesque sandstone baptismal font dating from the 12th century.

The Chapelle de Mauchenheim is the only surviving trace of the village of Mauchenheim. Above its entrance is a reconstruction of 13th-century frescoes depicting part of Genesis. A visit to the chapel therefore brings both biblical scenes and the history of the village into focus.

Walking Trail, Locks and Cycling Tour

The “Sur les pas du loup” discovery trail passes traditional houses and homes built after the war, 19th-century buildings and the Cité Paysanne district. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route may change. For planning your time, you can compare this walk with a longer cycling tour: the “Euro Vélo 15 entre Terre et Eau” route is 29 kilometers long and takes about three hours.

The cycling tour runs from Marckolsheim to Kunheim. It follows EuroVelo 15 and the Tulla Route, as well as passing through Ried villages with their heritage. The tour is suitable for everyone and offers views of varied landscapes, heritage, nature and tranquil surroundings. If you would rather watch boats, you can do so at the Marckolsheim locks from a freely accessible viewing bridge, where you can watch the boats pass through the locks.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dettwiller, Lohr, Wimmenau, Muttersholz, Haguenau, Andlau, Dieffenbach-Au-Val, Le Hohwald

Back to the main travel overview: Bas-Rhin.