In the north of Alsace, the washing houses of Wissembourg and Altenstadt testify to a past where water was not only a daily necessity but also a place of gathering and life. These historically rich structures offer a fascinating glimpse into local traditions and craftsmanship of yesteryear, while celebrating the beauty of our Alsatian heritage.
The washing houses of Wissembourg
The first washing house to explore is that of Bruch, a charming spot located by the Lauter, near the edge of the Faubourg de Bitche. This washing house is much more than a simple landmark for doing laundry: it embodies a time when not only laundry was bleached, but also home-made fabrics. History tells that Wissembourg developed a bleaching industry, making the use of washing houses vital for softening and whitening coarse cloth.
A door laden with history
Near the washing house, one discovers the remnants of the Pfisterturm, once the door of the Miller’s. Erected in 1445, this door was demolished in 1807, but the arches and locks that regulated the Lauter still remain, adding a touch of mystery to this beautiful region.
The washing house of Altenstadt
Continuing our quest for washing houses, we stop in Altenstadt. Here, the washing house was discovered almost by accident, revealing a past yet to be unveiled. Its beautiful stones, worn by time, seem to whisper stories of yesteryear, evoking the faces of women who gathered here to exchange news and laughter.
A momentum towards spirituality
Not far away stands a Romanesque church, an integral part of the Romanesque Route in Alsace. This proposal for walks promises to be enticing for those wishing to delve into the medieval history of the region while discovering other forgotten washing houses along the way.
Personal anecdote
Several years ago, during a walk in Wissembourg, I had the opportunity to visit the washing house of Bruch on a beautiful sunny afternoon. At that moment, the scent of the surrounding flowers mixed with the coolness of the water transported me to another era. Sitting on a nearby bench, I met an elderly resident who shared with me his childhood memories related to this washing house: how children came to play by the water and how women gathered here to forge strong bonds while attending to their tasks. This moment made me realize how these washing houses were not only functional places but also spaces of life, sharing, and humanity, where each stone tells a story, and each splash of water echoes the laughter of the past.
