Considering Brumath, ever wondered about a place continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years? That’s Brumath. It is a city that whispers tales of Celtic tribes, Roman legions, and Alsatian heritage.
Brumath stands as one of the rare sites in Alsace. It has been inhabited and visited without interruption for more than five millennia. Its very soil holds countless vestiges from eras long past. You can witness part of this impressive collection at the Archaeological Museum of Brumath and Surroundings.
Once, this was Brocomagus, capital of the Triboques, a Celto-Germanic people. They occupied the Alsace plain in ancient times. After their defeat by Julius Caesar in 58 BC, the Romans allowed the Triboques to settle permanently on the Rhine’s right bank. Lower Alsace became the Civitas Tibocorum. Brumath flourished for four centuries under Roman peace.
The city declined when the Roman Empire faltered. Later, Count Johann Reinhard III de Hanau Lichtenberg rebuilt Brumath between 1720 and 1728. He was the last descendant of his family. However, the castle was destroyed in 1672. It briefly served as a summer residence and was later rented to Christine de Saxe.
During the Revolution, the castle wings were destroyed. Protestants bought the building’s core in 1804. They transformed it into a temple. Today, the facades remain, and two rows of Doric columns articulate a vast space. A campanile from 1805 sits atop the roof’s central part.
The archaeological museum now resides in the vaulted basement. Imagine walking through these halls. These halls once echoed with the footsteps of Roman soldiers.
Brumath and Alsace-Lorraine were ceded to Germany by the Treaty of Frankfurt in 1871. It became the Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen. Strasbourg was its capital. The territory reported directly to the emperor. This lasted until 1918. The Treaty of Versailles suppressed it in 1919.
Brumath experienced an urban development boom in the late 19th century. The town hall, the buildings of the Cour du Château, the Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse, the Synagogue, and the Villa Coulmann were all constructed. After 1871, Alsace became German. The neo-Renaissance style District Court building dates from this era.
Brumath is committed to its environment, promoting zero pesticides. The Tilleul roundabout shows its dedication to sustainable development. The city supports culture and sports. The renovation of the Rémy Huckel Sports Complex proves this.
In summer, the lake is a popular destination. It is known for its swimming beach and leisure park. Brumath is easily accessible from Strasbourg. It is a dynamic city with a cinema and many restaurants.
Don’t miss the Onion Fair in September or the Fantastic Trail in October. These events highlight Brumath’s vibrant community.
The river Zorn flows near Brumath. It adds to the area’s natural beauty. It starts in Lorraine and joins the Moder River near Herrlisheim.
And, as you explore, remember Marcus Ulpius Tertius. A bronze statue of him stands in the Cour du Château. It reminds us of Brumath’s Gallo-Roman past. So, as you wander through Brumath, you’re not just walking through a town. You are tracing the footsteps of civilizations. The spirit continues to resonate through the ages.