Kientzheim Attractions

Kientzheim (pop. 879) was one of "three towns in one valley" (the others being Ammerschwihr and Kaysersberg). It has preserved its medieval walls, two castles and numerous half-timbered houses. On the Untertor (Lower Gate) is a curious grotesque face, looking towards the traditional "enemy" town of Sigolsheim. In the 15th century parish church (to the left) is the gravestone of Marshal Lazarus von Schwendl (1552-1584), a German officer in the service of the Emperor who is said to have brought the Tokay grape to Alsace from Hungary during the Turkish wars. Some 16th century votive tablets can be seen in the Lower Church. The imposing castle of Reichenstein near the Untertor (15th C, enlarged by von Schwendl in the 16th and 17th C) has an interesting cellar.