In 2024, the celebration of the 700th anniversary of the marriage of Johanna of Pfirt (1300–1351) and Albert II of Habsburg (1298–1358) coincided with the completion of the restoration work on the Palais de la Régence in Ensisheim, which had been built during the reign of Charles V (1500–1558).
On this occasion, the town of Ensisheim, in cooperation with the local historical society, sought to offer a series of significant events centered on the Habsburgs. In 2022, a steering committee was established to organize large‑scale projects with an international reach over a period of more than 18 months, with the support of Via Habsburg. The most important project was the redesign of the exhibition “Ensisheim and the Habsburgs in the Rhine Region,” which took place from 12 October to 17 November 2024 at the Palais de la Régence. More than 2,800 visitors of all nationalities were captivated by this interactive exhibition at the very heart of Habsburg power. For the first time, previously unpublished archival documents were presented to the public. A striking model of the Habsburg castle of Ensisheim (the Königburg) was created especially for the exhibition, finally offering insight into this former stronghold of power that was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. Numerous multimedia and interactive elements in French, German, and English accompanied visitors throughout the exhibition. Nearly 300 people attended the opening, including His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Rudolph of Austria. The exhibition received financial support from the European Collectivity of Alsace through the Fonds d’Aides au Territoire (Regional Support Fund).
The primary schools and collège of Ensisheim offered workshops on historic games, medieval cuisine, and guided tours of the historic town center. Almost 200 people took part in these activities. The Jean Rasser Primary School organized an impressive performance by jongleurs, the result of more than a year of preparation. The show was performed several times, including at the municipal hospital for residents of the Dr. Thuet nursing home. These performances attracted nearly 500 spectators. In total, almost 600 students participated in more than ten educational projects. As preparation, students took part in multiple preparatory meetings. 393 students joined guided tours of the historic center, including 170 students who also visited the town hall archives. Nearly 400 students took part in immersive experiences with the association “Guerre et Chevalerie” (War and Chivalry), which were organized as three‑day workshops at schools.
Throughout 2024, numerous accompanying events were organized, including lectures on history and art history attended by nearly 332 participants, as well as the National Day of Local Trade with the special program “Medieval Day.” Another highlight was “Les Marches de l’Histoire” (The Walks of History), organized on Saturday, 19 October, together with the Regional History Committee of Grand Est. During this event, 105 participants explored the history and cultural heritage of the region on a guided walk, followed by a visit to the exhibition.
Another major highlight of the celebrations was a unique Franco‑German colloquium, jointly organized by the town of Ensisheim, the Société d’Histoire d’Ensisheim, and the Alemannic Institute of Freiburg on Friday, 15 November, and Saturday, 16 November. The guiding theme was the choice of Ensisheim as a central place in the region. Additional topics addressed administration, political constellations in neighboring regions (Burgundy and the Swiss Confederation), places and symbols of power (castles and cities), as well as several key historical figures. The colloquium was bilingual with simultaneous translation. It brought together five German, five French, one American, and four Swiss speakers and was attended by 150 participants.
The celebrations concluded on Sunday, 17 November 2024, with a “Concert of the Princesses.” Held to mark the 700th anniversary of the marriage of Jeanne de Ferrette and Albert II of Habsburg, the concert featured the vocal ensemble La Barcarolle, conducted by Mimo Iliev, with Joachim Baumann on organ and piano, and took place in St. Martin’s Church, drawing an audience of 350 people.
Text: Jean‑Pierre Bruyère, City Councillor of Ensisheim
Photos: © Ensisheim