Arsenal Sainte-Barbe

In the heart of the pedestrian zone and shopping area stands the Arsenal Sainte-Barbe, a Gothic-style building constructed in 1470 on the site of the former medieval synagogue. In 1534, due to lack of space at the Saint-Hilaire arsenal, weapons were stored here, giving it its current name in honor of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen. In the 19th century, it returned to its original function as a warehouse for wheat, tobacco, and hops. In 1901, the first floor was converted into a performance hall, then transformed into a meeting room, while the second floor became a banquet hall. These uses continue today. Above the Gothic door on the ground floor rises a double-flight staircase. The stepped gable, typical of the Rhenish Renaissance, is topped by a thick stork's nest, adding to the charm of the whole. A 20th-century statue of Saint Barbara adorns the corner of the façades. The building can be viewed from the outside or during possible exhibitions or events.