When starting a tour of Colmar, it is impossible to miss its historic center, where every building is a witness to the city's rich past. The Collegiate Church of Saint Martin (Collégiale Saint-Martin) towers over the old town, being one of the region's most important religious monuments. This Gothic temple, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, impresses with its monumental facade and a tower reaching 71 meters. Inside the church, the most noteworthy features are the carved altarpiece from the 15th century and the stained glass windows, which fill the interior with a rainbow of colors on sunny days. The collegiate church has witnessed many historical events, including the signing of a peace treaty during the Thirty Years' War.

Not far from the collegiate church is the Place de l'Ancienne Douane, or Old Customs House Square, which has been the center of Colmar's commercial and social life for centuries. In the Middle Ages, markets and fairs were held here, and today the square is surrounded by historic townhouses with colorful facades. The dominant building is the Koïfhus, a former customs house from the 15th century, combining elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles. This distinctive red sandstone building once served as the city's commercial and administrative center. The first floor housed warehouses for goods, and the first floor was the city council meeting room. Today, Koïfhus is a venue for exhibitions and cultural events, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of medieval commerce.

Also attracting attention in the square is the Schwendi Fountain, erected in 1898 in honor of Lazarus von Schwendi, a 16th century general and diplomat. According to local legend, it was Schwendi who brought the first tokaj vine cuttings to Alsace from Hungary, as symbolized by the figure holding a bunch of grapes atop the fountain. This anecdote, although historically questionable, perfectly illustrates the importance of winemaking to the region's identity.

As you stroll through the old town, look out for Colmar's oldest buildings, including the 1350 Maison Adolph, which has survived numerous wars and disasters. Its Gothic arched windows are a testament to medieval building craftsmanship. Equally fascinating is the Maison Pfister of 1537 - one of the first buildings in the city to showcase elements of Renaissance architecture, with a richly decorated facade depicting biblical scenes and portraits of German emperors.

One of Colmar's most picturesque areas is undoubtedly La Petite Venise, or Little Venice. This charming neighborhood owes its name to the network of canals of the Lauch River that crisscross this part of town, creating scenery reminiscent of Italian Venice, albeit on a much smaller scale. The history of the place dates back to the Middle Ages, when the canals served as transportation arteries for local artisans and merchants. Today, the colorful half-timbered houses reflected in the water create a fairy-tale setting that attracts photographers and painters from around the world.

The best way to experience the charm of Little Venice is to take a cruise on a traditional flat-bottom boat. During the 30-minute ride, guides tell fascinating stories about the lives of the ancient inhabitants and the development of river trade. Particularly picturesque is the view of the Turenne Bridge, built in the 17th century, which connects the banks of the canal and is decorated with floral compositions that change with the seasons.

Inextricably linked to Little Venice is the Quai de la Poissonnerie, or Fisherman's Wharf. This narrow street along the canal was once the center of Colmar's fish trade. The colorful fishermen's houses, with their distinctive pointed roofs and wooden balconies, are perfectly preserved and are one of the city's most photographed sights. Each of these houses has its own history - some served as fish smokehouses, others as fishmongers' stores or fishermen's dwellings. Of particular interest is the house at number 25, known as the 'House of Heads,' decorated with 106 carved heads and masks, which according to local lore were meant to ward off evil spirits.

Nearby is the Quartier des Tanneurs, or Tanner's Quarter, which is another picturesque corner of Colmar. In the Middle Ages, this was an industrial part of the city where hides were tanned. Characteristic of this district are the tall houses with open attics that were used for drying hides. Today, these historic buildings have been transformed into elegant restaurants and boutiques, but have retained their original character. Walking through the narrow streets, one can imagine the work of the old craftsmen and feel the atmosphere of a medieval manufacturing town.

It is worth knowing that the best time to visit these romantic corners of Colmar is early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight gives the colorful facades a unique glow and the crowds of tourists are smaller. In winter, especially at Christmas time, Little Venice and the surrounding streets are magically illuminated and decorated, creating a fairy-tale setting that attracts visitors from all over Europe to the famous Alsatian Christmas market.

Colmar is not only about historic architecture and picturesque streets - the city also offers a wealth of cultural attractions, the most important of which is undoubtedly the Unterlinden Museum. Housed in a former Dominican nunnery dating back to the 13th century, the museum underwent an extensive renovation in 2015, allowing for a modern display of its impressive collection. The jewel of the collection is the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of late Gothic sacred art, created by Matthias Grünewald and Nicolaus Hagenauer between 1512 and 1516. Depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints, this multi-sided polyptych is stunning in its intensity of color and expression, which still impresses viewers even after five centuries.

In addition to the famous altarpiece, the Unterlinden Museum displays an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including works by Martin Schongauer, a prominent 15th century engraver and painter born in Colmar. The museum's modern wing, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Monet and local Alsatian artists. It's worth planning at least two hours to visit this unique museum, which combines history, art and spirituality in a fascinating way.

A lesser-known but equally interesting cultural attraction is the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to the creator of the Statue of Liberty, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who was born in Colmar in 1834. The museum is housed in the artist's family home and displays models of his most famous works, sketches and personal memorabilia. By visiting this place, you can better understand the creative process that led to the creation of one of the world's most recognizable symbols of freedom.

After a busy tour of the museums and historic districts, take a moment to relax in the Parc du Champ de Mars. Established in the 19th century on the site of former fortifications, this sprawling city park offers the shade of century-old trees and peaceful alleys perfect for a relaxing stroll. In the center of the park is a statue of General Rapp, a Napoleonic commander born in Colmar, and all around are carefully maintained flower beds that change their appearance with the seasons.

The park is especially popular with families with children thanks to its large playground and picnic areas. In summer, outdoor concerts and festivals are held here, and in winter part of the park turns into an ice rink. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are jogging paths and sports fields. The Parc du Champ de Mars provides an excellent link between the historic center and Colmar's newer neighborhoods, allowing visitors to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It is worth mentioning that Colmar is also an excellent base for exploring the Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d'Alsace). This scenic 170-kilometer route takes you through charming wine villages where you can sample local wines, including the famous Alsatian rieslings and gewürztraminers. The surrounding hills covered with vineyards create a spectacular landscape, especially in autumn, when the vine leaves turn golden and red.

When visiting Colmar, it is advisable to plan a stay of at least two days to fully appreciate the cultural and historical richness of this unique town. Regardless of the season, Colmar offers a unique experience - from spring flower festivals, summer outdoor concerts, autumn wine harvest and the magical Christmas market that turns the city into a true wonderland.