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Fortified city Obernai

At the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile, between the Wine Route (Route des Vins) and the Sauerkraut Route (Route de la Choucroute), Obernai concentrates all the picturesque charms of Alsace with its ramparts, half-timbering and alleyways, where time seems to have stood still.

Markers

Placed under the guardianship of the Hohenbourg Monastery (the current Mont Sainte-Odile), Obernai rose to the rank of city around 1240 and erected its fortifications before becoming an imperial city in 1354. The 16th century marked the city’s high-point thanks to crafts and viticulture. In 1679, under Louis XIV, it became a royal city and experienced a new boom. Spared by the two world wars, the city is one of the jewels of the Alsatian vineyard.

History

Obernai is the birthplace of Sainte-Odile, patron saint of Alsace, born blind, and who miraculously regained her sight when she was baptised at the age of thirteen. She founded two monasteries, one overlooking the city and the other in Niedermunster. One morning on her way there, Odile passed a blind beggar. She struck a rock, bursting out a refreshing source of water which healed the man of his blindness and still attracts thousands of pilgrims today.

Key points

Walking alongside its ramparts and ditches, crossing its fortified gates, admiring its watchtowers and its belfry is to pass through Obernai’s medieval history, which continues with its Renaissance town hall, its enticing Halle aux Blés (corn exchange) and the amazing Six Sceaux Well (Six Buckets’ Well).

Practical informations

Address: 67210 Obernai
Nearest tourism office: Office de tourisme d'Obernai
Place du Beffroi, Obernai
info@tourisme-obernai.fr - 03 88 95 64 13
www.tourisme-obernai.fr - Facebook @VisitObernai
GPS coordinates: Lat.: 48.46228631 - Long.: 7.48070240

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