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The
first inhabitants
The first signs of
human life in the area are the Celtic tumuli (dating somewhere
from 800BC) which are located in the Bannholz woods just
next to the road from Mollkirch to Gresswiller. Excavations
were carried out at the beginning of the 20th century and
the meagre findings are to be found in the Historical Museum
in Haguenau. To find the tumuli, stop on the level plateau
as you come from Mollkirch. The tumuli are opposite a group
of larches which suffered badly in the Boxing Day 1999 storm.
Gallo-roman remains
The most interesting
gallo-roman site within easily walkable distance is the
Purpurkopf which can be reached from the Fackenthal campsite.
The Purpurkopf is a hilltop fortified by several stone walls
with its own well. Do not forgot to visit the Pagan wall
at the Mont Saint Odile.
Mediaeval
history
The history of Mollkirch
is quite rich, as it is closely linked to that of its castle,
the Guirbaden, perched
high on a strategic point overlooking the Magel valley.
From 1225 to the French Revolution Mollkirch belonged to
the Bishopric of Strasbourg.
It was indeed in Mollkirch
that the peasants revolt began. In March 1525 the inhabitants
of Mollkirch rose up against the Rathsamhausen lords.
Mollkirch is a traditionally
catholic village with its church dating from 1837. The Kloesterlé
Chapel, dating back to 1135 and a listed historical
building, is to be found at the far end of Laubenheim and
is by far the oldest building in the village.
> You can now read
more about the castle (the Guirbaden)
and the Chapel (Kloesterlé).
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