Six Black Mountains Square

You've reached the charming Place des Six Montagnes Noires, the Six Black Mountains Square. In its center, amidst the beautiful half-timbered houses, stands a fountain topped by a large statue. Created by Auguste Bartholdi in 1888, it depicts Jean Roesselmann, a former provost of Colmar. To understand why his statue is here, we must travel back to the 13th century, in medieval times, were royal officials assigned to specific regions. They enforced royal decrees, collected taxes, and administered justice, essentially serving as the king's representatives in a given district. They had a great deal of power, especially before the 13th century. Jean Roesslelmann was one such provost, in charge of Colmar and the surrounding area. He is particularly famous for risking his life to defend the city against the Bishop of Strasbourg, who came to conquer Colmar in 1262. So the statue is supposed to be Roesselmann, but it actually looks more like a later mayor of Colmar, who fought against the annexation of Alsace to the German Empire after the war of 1871. In any case, it adorns one of Colmar's most beautiful squares, named after the Six Black Mountains Inn that once stood there. Take a moment to explore it for yourself, before we continue on our way!