Fountain

The Wangen fountain, built in the 1830s, is a monument rich in history.

Its construction followed a lengthy seven-year legal dispute between the village inhabitants and the Saint-Étienne Abbey of Strasbourg. The abbey, which became the local lord after acquiring the castle in 1566, demanded an annual rent paid in wine, a levy that heavily burdened the community.

Wine, a renowned product of Wangen, attracted covetous interests and represented a significant financial charge: in 1728, the rent increased from 100 to 600 measures, about 30,000 liters per year, in addition to the tithe.

During the Revolution, the villagers refused to pay this rent.

In 1819, two businessmen attempted to reinstate it, sparking a new conflict. The inhabitants, determined to defend their rights, initiated a trial that lasted seven years.

Victory was finally achieved in 1830 with the definitive abolition of this rent.

To celebrate this regained freedom, the municipality erected the fountain, symbolizing this struggle.

Every July 3rd, the anniversary of the favorable judgment by the Colmar Court of Appeal, the town offers wine to all citizens and guests, thus preserving the memory of this victory.