Obernai - The True Spirit of Christmas in Alsace - France

OBERNAI: A LITTLE HISTORY... Sainte Odile in ObernaiRoman crossroads, then Merovingian royal villa, “Ehenheim” was mentioned for the first time in 778, and named Oberehnheim in 1242 to distinguish itself from Niederehnheim (Niedernai). It is assumed that the city was the property of the Dukes of Alsace and then of the monasteries of Hohenbourg (now Mont Sainte-Odile) and Niedermunster, the two convents founded by Sainte Odile and her father. OBERNAI, IMPERIAL CITY Around 1240, Obernai freed itself from monastic tutelage to attain, with the support of the Hohenstaufen, the rank of town: which enabled it to erect fortifications, to be endowed with its own judicial and fiscal organization, and to hold a market and fairs. In 1354, Obernai and the nine other imperial cities of Alsace, Wissembourg, Haguenau, Rosheim, Sélestat, Kaysersberg, Colmar, Turckheim, Munster and Mulhouse, joined forces to found the Decapolis. The municipal organization is set up with two priorities: to free the city from the authority of the provost (delegate of the Emperor) and to neutralize the influence of the many nobles of the city. The 16th century marked the golden age of the Obern boom. Crafts and viticulture (export) are prosperous. The Renaissance will leave its architectural imprint, among others, on the Town Hall (1523 and 1610), the Halle aux Blés (1554), the Belfry - Kapellturm and the Well with Six Buckets (1579). While the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) ravaged the region, the city was occupied and held to ransom. From the end of November and throughout the month of December, come and discover the Christmas market with its intimate and warm character. Walking through the streets of the city is a delight: illuminations and decorations in natural fir trees perfectly highlight the Renaissance architecture of the city center. In their wooden chalet on the squares of the city center, the craftsmen and producers of the Christmas Market invite you, between scents of gingerbread and scents of mulled wine, to stock up on gourmet local products and artisanal gifts. . A local specialty not to be missed, the tasting of Obernois white mulled wine, for its unique taste and for the atmosphere that reigns around the Cauldron of the Winegrowers Corporation! The Christmas Gastronomy Market in Alsace showcases all the local gastronomic specialties of Alsatian Christmas. Opening Friday, November 25 at 4 p.m. Closed December 25. Closing at 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31. I wish you all the best to you and your families, a Merry Christmas with your loved ones, a better new year than the one that passed and may everything you wish come true, be blessed, Merry Christmas!!! TOURIST CHANNEL. #obernai #colmar #strasbourg #france #christmas #alsace #travel