The Hôtel d'Ebersmunster or Cour des Prélats

The Cour des Prélats, built from 1538 by the Benedictine monks of Ebersmunster, is an early example of Alsatian Renaissance architecture in Sélestat.

Located behind the city walls, this building served both as a retreat residence and a granary to store the in-kind revenues from the Prelate's lands and rights. It has hosted distinguished guests over the centuries.

Inside, the vestibule is paved with sandstone, and antique medallions depicting Romulus and Remus frame the entrance portal. The door frames are decorated with shells, pilasters with candelabra, or carved ribbons.

Acquired by the City in 1960, the building has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1976.

The north portal, the former main entrance, resembles a triumphal arch inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Its pilasters decorated with arabesques bear antique medallions, some of which depicted the parents of Saint Odile before being destroyed during the Revolutionary Terror (1793-94). A Latin inscription from 1541, engraved on the entablature, mentions the two abbots responsible for the construction. The elevation ends with a shell-shaped edicule, typical of Renaissance decoration. The vestibule and staircase are accessible Monday to Friday during office hours, while the exterior of the site can be admired at any time.