Thann: A Journey Through Time and Legends in the Heart of Alsace
Thann – Where History and Legend Meet
When history and legend come together, they create mysterious traditions about long-ago people, brave heroes, strange events, and good deeds. This is what goes on in Thann, a commune in France with a little more than 8,000 people. It is in the Haut-Rhin department, in the beautiful Alsace region. Here, in the capital of the “Municipal Community of the Country of Thann,” fascinating myths are told about the origins of the center, the mountains, and life in the past.
Thann – A Captivating Story of Magic
Thann is the region’s center for tourism, agriculture, and business. It is at the mouth of the Thur valley, at the foot of the Vosges, and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. It is also the main character in a captivating story full of magic. Tradition says that when Saint Ubaldo died in 1160, he gave everything he owned to the poor, except for the episcopal staff, which he had promised for a long time to one of his Irish disciples. The second one wasn’t happy with that, so he also wanted to steal the Saint’s ring.
But when it came time to steal it, he was in such a hurry that he cut off the dead man’s thumb, put it in the walking stick, and ran away. Thann leaned his stick against a tree and fell asleep when he got to the part of France where he lives now. When he woke up, he saw that the stick had grown roots and was stuck to the fir tree. The stick didn’t move until they said they would build a chapel in Sant’Ubaldo.
The Count de Ferrette and Thann’s Noble History
The real story of Thann is about the Count de Ferrette and his noble Alsatian family. He put up a toll post at the entrance to the Thur Valley, which was soon followed by other buildings and roads. His family also built an impressive castle, which can still be seen on top of a hill overlooking the city. It is the fortified manor of Engelbourg, which was built in 1224 and is now called “Oeil de la Sorcière,” or “Eye of the Witch.” Most of it was destroyed in 1673 at the request of Louis XIV. Today, only a few ruins remain, including a part of the keep that looks like a disturbingly looking eye from a distance.
Architectural Marvels of Thann
The Collegiate Church of Sant’Ubaldo is just as important. After the Strasbourg Cathedral, it is the most important piece of Gothic architecture in the area. Built in 1324 in the German-Rhenish Gothic style that makes Strasbourg and Freiburg churches stand out, it has a bell tower that is over 78 meters tall and ends in a spire, as required by the flamboyant Gothic style. Even though the church isn’t very big, it makes a big impression because of how elegant and simple it is. This is especially true of the portal and the tower’s majesty.
The Franciscan convent, which was built between the 18th and 19th centuries and is outside the walls of Thann, is another interesting religious building. Marsilly Castle, which was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, is also worth a visit. Last, the Town Hall is in the Hotel de Ville. The building was designed by Jean-Baptiste Kléber in 1787. At first, it was supposed to be the city hospital, but in 1788, it got a new purpose and was finished in 1793.
Traditions and Events in Thann
But Thann’s interesting history isn’t just shown by its beautiful architecture and urban layout. The country’s traditions are also important to understanding its past, and you can learn about them by going to an interesting city museum or taking part in a popular traditional event. In the old Halle aux Blés, where the Musée de Thann is located, you can learn a lot about how people used to live. Throughout the year, there are many must-see events that mix culture and fun.
At the end of June, you shouldn’t miss the so-called “Cremation of the Three Trees.” It’s a religious and secular festival at the same time, and it’s all about the famous legend about Sant’Ubaldo and how the city got started. On the other hand, during Easter you can go to a themed market called “L’Oeuf en habit de fête,” where many different colored eggs are on display.
Gourmets will enjoy the “Vins et Saveurs des Territoirs” review, which celebrates Alsatian food and wine traditions all through the month of August. Since 1659, the second Wednesday in September has been the traditional market for local crafts. Last but not least, we can’t forget the magical Christmas markets. During the month of December, the center is filled with shiny stalls that create a unique scene of lights, smells, and fairy-tale atmospheres at the foot of the Collegiate Church.
Climate and Getting to Thann
To sum it all up, the weather is generally mild and pleasant. The winters are cold but not too harsh, and the summers are hot. In January, the average temperature ranges from -2°C to 4°C. In July and August, the average temperature ranges from 13°C to 25°C. The amount of rain falls pretty evenly throughout the year. January has the most bad weather, with an average of 18 days, but in other times it rains about every other day.
To get to Thann, different paths can be looked at. Those coming by plane can land at the Mulhouse-Basel-Freiburg airport, which is 54 km from the destination, and rent a car. From there, they can take the A35, then the A36/E60 in the direction of Mulhouse, Lyon, and Paris, and finally take exit 16b toward Thann. On the other hand, those who choose to take the train can rely on the Mulhouse-Thann-Kruth railway line.
