Pl. de la Cathédrale is the open civic square at Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, in the city’s compact Old Town. Its focal point is the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, widely called Colmar Cathedral: a major Gothic parish church begun in 1234 and completed in 1365, briefly made the constitutional cathedral of Haut-Rhin during the French Revolution. Travelers come for close views of its warm sandstone façade, a pause between historic lanes, and an easy starting point for Colmar’s central monuments.
What to Expect at Pl. de la Cathédrale
The square is pedestrian-friendly and comparatively open by Old Town standards, framed by traditional Alsatian buildings and the formidable west front of Saint-Martin. Look upward for the church’s pointed Gothic portals, traceried windows, buttresses and steep tiled roof, all rendered in the reddish-pink Vosges sandstone that gives so many Alsace churches their distinctive color. The building’s scale is especially striking at close range: this is a large three-aisled medieval church rather than a small parish chapel.
Step inside Saint-Martin when it is open to see the long nave, rib vaulting, stained glass and a 1755 Johann Andreas Silbermann organ, one of the region’s notable historic instruments. The church is a working parish, not a ticketed museum, so services take priority and interior access can change. The square itself has no gates, admission desk, dedicated café or permanent exhibition; it works best as a short architectural stop, a photography location, and a natural link between Rue des Marchands, the Bartholdi Museum and Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
- Saint-Martin west façade: Study the monumental Gothic portal composition and sculptural detailing from the open square.
- Vosges sandstone: The church’s red-pink stone changes character from soft morning light to richer late-afternoon tones.
- Medieval church interior: When open, enter for Gothic vaults, stained glass and the historic 1755 Silbermann organ.
- Historic-town orientation: Rue des Marchands and the half-timbered streets around the Pfister House begin only a few minutes away.
- Rest stop: Benches and the open sightline make this a useful place to pause between Colmar’s denser lanes.
Pl. de la Cathédrale at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France |
| Neighborhood / Area | Old Town, central Colmar |
| Operating Hours | Square: open 24 hours, Monday–Sunday. Saint-Martin interior hours vary around worship and parish activity. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to enter the square; church entry is generally free when open. $ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes; allow about an hour with a church visit and nearby streets. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Trace bus stop Théâtre is about 450 metres away; Colmar railway station is roughly a 18-minute walk. Parking Montagne Verte is about 500 metres away. |
| Official Website & Phone | Colmar Tourist Office; +33 3 89 20 68 92 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive before 10am for the clearest façade photographs and a quieter look at the square, or return around dusk when the surrounding historic core feels more atmospheric. There is no reservation and no ticket requirement for the square. If Saint-Martin’s interior is central to your plans, avoid assuming all-day access: check parish notices on arrival, keep voices low, and do not photograph worshippers or active services.
From Colmar station, the walk follows the city center for about 1.3 kilometres; drivers should use Parking Montagne Verte rather than expect parking on the square. The approaches are largely level, but historic stone paving can be uneven for wheelchairs, strollers and rolling luggage. Pair the stop with the Musée Bartholdi, around 100 metres away in the sculptor’s birthplace, the Pfister House on Rue des Marchands, and Place de l’Ancienne Douane with the Koïfhus, each within a five-minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pl. de la Cathédrale open, and what is the best time to visit?
The public square is accessible day and night throughout the week. Visit early in the morning for fewer people and direct attention on Saint-Martin’s façade; the church interior follows parish access rather than fixed attraction hours.
Is there an entrance fee or reservation requirement?
No: the square is free and does not require booking. Saint-Martin is generally free to enter when open, but it is an active church, so access may be limited during services or religious events.
How much time should I allow for Cathedral Square?
Allow 20 to 40 minutes to appreciate the square, photograph the exterior and take a short look inside Saint-Martin. Budget 60 to 90 minutes if continuing to the Bartholdi Museum, Pfister House and Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
Is Pl. de la Cathédrale accessible and suitable for families?
Families can use the open square easily, and the central Old Town location makes it a convenient break between sights. The ground is mostly level but uneven in places because of historic paving; stroller and wheelchair users should allow extra time, while church access may depend on the entrance currently in use.
When planning your Colmar travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Colmar, pair this stop with standout local spots including Salle du Corps de Garde, Musée de la Glyptographie, Le 3, and Choco Story Colmar (nearby).
