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Museums #4 in Ottersthal

Musée du Château des Rohan

4.3 · 821 reviews
Refined and scholarly
Musée du Château des Rohan, Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 67700 Saverne, France
Interesting facts
1

The castle facade spans 140 meters, making it one of the largest neoclassical buildings in the Alsace region.

2

The structure was built between 1779 and 1790 to serve as a summer residence for the Prince-Bishops of Strasbourg.

3

The archaeological collection includes rare Gallo-Roman artifacts salvaged from nearby excavations in the Bruche and Zorn valleys.

4

The building's massive red sandstone blocks were quarried locally from the surrounding Vosges mountains.

5

The interior contains a ceremonial staircase that remains largely unchanged since the 18th century.

Overview

The Musée du Château des Rohan is housed within a massive 18th-century sandstone palace designed in the neoclassical style for the Cardinal de Rohan-Soubise. Located in Saverne, the museum occupies the former episcopal residence overlooking the Zorn Valley. The collection features a significant archaeological department spanning from the Neolithic period to the Gallo-Roman era. Visitors can explore local history exhibits, including collections related to the Vosges mountains and regional craft traditions. A dedicated section showcases the life and works of the painter Louise Weiss. The surrounding park provides formal gardens that integrate the architecture into the natural landscape. The museum serves as a cultural repository for the Pays de Saverne territory. It remains one of the most prominent examples of Alsatian princely architecture from the pre-revolutionary era.

Photo spot

From the center of the Place du Général de Gaulle, capturing the symmetry of the full main facade.

Insider tips

Combine your museum visit with a walk through the adjacent Rose Garden, which features thousands of varieties.

Allocate extra time to wander the castle's exterior grounds to observe the transition between the neoclassical facade and the garden design.

Inquire at the desk about temporary exhibition themes, as these change seasonally and rotate regional art collections.

What to avoid

Do not overlook the archaeological basement, which is often bypassed by visitors focusing solely on the upper floors.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays; typically closed during the month of January.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet demeanor as the building also houses administrative offices.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to view the museum exhibits alongside the peak blooming period of the nearby Rose Garden.
Address
Musée du Château des Rohan, Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 67700 Saverne, France
48.742, 7.364
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsGallo-Roman archaeology, Louise Weiss collection, Alsatian folk art.
Architectural styleFrench Neoclassical.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to view the museum exhibits alongside the peak blooming period of the nearby Rose Garden..

From the center of the Place du Général de Gaulle, capturing the symmetry of the full main facade.

Close by you'll find Château du Haut-Barr, Église catholique Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité à Saverne, Mairie de Saverne.