Colmar: Howl’s Moving Castle

For those who have had the pleasure of watching Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece, “Howl’s Moving Castle,” the vibrant and enchanting architecture depicted in the film would surely leave an indelible mark. Remarkably, the real-life inspiration for this whimsical world can be found in the charming town of Colmar, France.

My journey took me to Colmar in 2019, a destination I stumbled upon during my summer graduation trip. While I explored a multitude of places during that memorable vacation, Colmar emerged as an unexpected delight. To my surprise, I knew very little about this quaint town upon my arrival, completely oblivious to the enchanting connection it shared with Hayao Miyazaki’s work—a secret that would only be revealed to me later.

Colmar, nestled near the borders of Germany and Switzerland, finds its place between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, lying in the embrace of Strasbourg and Mulhouse. The city’s fame is inextricably linked to its meticulously preserved old town, an abundance of architectural wonders, and a treasure trove of museums, all contributing to its irresistible charm.

Time may have flowed on relentlessly, but the mere mention of Colmar transports me back to the intricate labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, where canals adorned with vibrant flowers meander, and timber-framed houses stand resplendent in a kaleidoscope of pastel hues.

Legend has it that Colmar’s allure was so profound that even during the tumultuous years of both world wars, British and American forces deliberately spared it from destruction, making it one of France’s best-preserved old towns to this day.

If my memory serves me right, there are several enchanting places in Colmar that I wholeheartedly recommend you explore.

First and foremost, there’s the “Little Venice” district, an absolute treasure of this charming town. Here, the merchant houses, resplendent in a medley of colors, gracefully line the banks of the river. You’ll find hues ranging from tranquil blues to regal purples, vibrant greens, delicate pinks, fiery reds, and cheerful yellows. Each color carries a unique identity, with the blue houses hosting the fishmongers, the green ones welcoming the market gardeners, the white abodes housing the bakers, the yellow dwellings being the domain of the cheese makers, and, last but not least, the pink residences belonging to the fancy ladies. These color codes, originally conceived, were an ingenious way to assist illiterate individuals in locating their preferred shops.

Additionally, I encourage you to embark on a leisurely river cruise. I captured a snapshot of that serene journey, and it has garnered admiration from many of my friends.

The photo that I took

St Martin’s Church, built between 1235 and 1365, is a Roman Catholic church located in the heart of Colmar too. It’s a typical Gothic-style church, which is really imposing. Because of a fire in the south tower in 1572 the framework and all the roofs were destroyed. The tower was replaced three years later by the original lantern bulb (a construction on the top of the dome which has the form of a lantern) which gives the Church its characteristic silhouette. 

The Toy Museum ‘Musée du Jouet’ is another interesting sight that I will recommend you should take a visit, which is also located in the center of Colmar town. I’m sure some of you were fascinated in certain toys during your childhood. Mine is Lego. The museum presents a collection of toys from the 19th century to today. Throughout a theme-oriented visit, you’ll discover all these toys which marked your childhood.

The Unterlinden Museum boasts vast collection of paintings and sculptures. The museum, hosued in a 13th-century Dominican religious sisters’ convent and a 1906 former public baths building, is home to the Isenheim Altarpiece by the German Renaissance painter Matthias Grunewald.

As I conclude this reflection, my thoughts inevitably drift back to the year 2019, a time when the world was free from the grip of the pandemic. With a heavy heart, I express my fervent hope for a swift end to this global crisis, yearning for a return to the days when such journeys and discoveries were unburdened by the shadow of uncertainty.