Hansi, the famous Alsatian artist, said the following of Kaysersberg: "The situation of Kaysersberg, its unusual silhouette and its numerous ancient constructions make it the prettiest city on the Wine Road". The high fortress that dominates the city serves as a reminder of its strategic importance and its violent past. However, today Kaysersberg seems more appropriate as the perfect setting for an Alsatian festival with its medieval atmosphere created by the pretty half-timbered houses that have been well preserved. Vines also surround the city and to insure that we do not forget their importance there is an old stone well with an interesting inscription:
"Do you drink water at the table ?
It will chill your stomach.
Drink with moderation old and subtil wine.
I advise you to do as such and as for me, leave the water to the side..."
Although all the different Alsatian wines are represented here, the Tokay wine is the specialty of Kaysersberg. Legend has that the first vines planted were brought directly from Hungary by Lazare de Schwendi who lived during Maximilien's time.
The city of Kaysersberg is located at a very strategic point in Alsace: at the entrance of the Weiss valley. From the Roman times, Kaysersberg was an important stop on the itinerary that ran from Vieux-Brisach to Toul. But it took on real importance in the Middle Ages. The name Kaysersberg (Caesaris Mont) means "the Emperor's mountain". The name comes from the fortress which was acquired by the Empire in 1227.
The city developped around this fortress and became an imperial city with walls and towers. Kaysersberg suffered from many medieval struggles between the bishops of Strasbourg and their subjects. However, in 1353, Kaysersberg became a part of the Décapole.
It is not surprising that along with such a history a legend grew around Kaysersberg:
The Emperor Barberossa decided to build the fortress of Kaysersberg along with a church for the city. In the middle of construction he ran out of money.
He used his wife's crown to guarantee a loan.The heavens were moved by his pious resolution to build the church and sent down two angels with money. They took the crown of the Empress from the sales house where it was being exposed and brought it back to the Emperor. The construction was finished within the year."
Kaysersberg is particularly proud of two of its natives: Doctor Albert Schweitzer and Jean Geiler de Kaysersberg. Doctor Schweitzer is renown throughout the world as a writer, philanthropist,theologian and doctor. One may visit the home of his birth.
Although Jean Geiler de Kaysersberg was born in Switzerland, he spent most of his life in this small imperial city which was quite lively in the 15th century.
He declined many brilliant offers to remain faithful to Alsace. Geiler de Kaysersberg often took inspiration from Brant in his sermons.
From the monumental and splendid pulpit of the Cathedral he attacked the corruption of the Church and the lay people in a popular and flavourful style. Part of his work was published.
