Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar

One of the most beautiful religious buildings I’ve been to. Of course, with all the respect, we entered the Church and were impressed by the beauty and details. It’s huge and it shows a lot. You can walk around the church. It’s free to visit, but consider donating to the ones that maintain the church and your visit, you can already do this by lighting a small candle as well.

Built between 1235 and 1365, the magnificent Collegiate Church of Saint Martin is a major work of Gothic architecture in Alsace. The south tower was destroyed by fire in 1572, which destroyed its roof structure and crowning element. It was replaced three years later by the distinctive onion-domed lantern that gives the building its characteristic silhouette. The church has undergone several restoration campaigns, the most recent of which, completed in 1982, uncovered the foundations of a church dating back to the year 1000, as well as traces of successive expansions in the 11th and 12th centuries. The people of Colmar have long considered the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin their cathedral, a direct translation of the German word "Münster." In reality, the collegiate church of Saint-Martin was a true cathedral for only about ten years: from the Civil Constitution of the Clergy in 1790 to the signing of the Concordat in 1801, because the two constitutional bishops who succeeded one another did not manage to impose themselves and organize a diocese that remained two-thirds faithful to Rome.

A truly magnificent sacral building. I felt at peace here and decided to light a candle for all the loved ones that aren't here anymore. Definitely worth a visit if and when in Colmar.

It is beautiful cathedral. The inner space is magic, with so strong atmosphere, and the outside is so impressive. The entrance is free but you can voluntarily give a few coins to the person standing in front of the door. What I would like to highlight is really pleasant fact that they take really good care of the building, it is all well-maintained and clean, leaving almost no black spots on it.

Be aware of individuals collecting money for profit, and not the Church. More below. Some of the reviews for St. Martin Church in Colmar, France are focused on impolite guests being told to remove their hats, or being denied entry with dogs. I would suggest to those entitled visitors to research what is, and is not proper to wear or do before you enter ANY place of worship. A Church is not there to entertain you, so if you cannot conform with simple rules of modesty in dress and behavior, do not enter. Having said that, I would encourage visitors to be mindful of where/who receives your offering or donation. While entering St. Martin is free of charge, donations are accepted INSIDE the Church. Please be advised that an individual remains by the doors--he switches it often-- with a basket that resembles exactly the ones you would see during a Sunday Mass collection. This individual was confronted by some visitors and asked if he worked for the Church. He said that he does not. Upon that, he was told not to be collecting money, making visitors believe he was a Church employee. At the same time, a lady inside the Church who was cleaning, was made aware of the situation. It seems as if both people are in on it, and split the donations received, because she was clearly on the side of the scammer. Visitors solely intent for donations to go to the Church, and not for individual profit. This should be over sought by designated Church employees. The Church is absolutely beautiful, and worth visiting, but please remember to be respectful in a place of worship, and be aware that scams are run most likely than not, in popular tourist destinations.

One of the beautiful churches I’ve seen. The peace that you feel when you’re inside is surreal. The church is very well kept, although it’s still under renovation, you can still see most of the old beauty. The church during the golden hour were beautiful the walls and the structure of the building were glowing in the sunlight.

Absolutely stunning architecture, pipe organ, wooden carvings and stain glass windows. No entrance fee.

Impressive Cathedral right in the center of Colmar. Very nicely decorated inside. The exterior gives an impression of Middle Age architecture similar to other European Cathedrals. There are many artifacts inside that are worth stopping and examining. The information provided makes your time worthwhile.