Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
In the picturesque town of Colmar, France, there is a building that has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike for centuries: the House of Heads. This Renaissance building, adorned with 111 grotesque masks, bears witness to the city’s rich artistic heritage. However, behind its ornate façade lies an eerie legend whispered through the cobbled streets – a legend so terrifying that it attracts adventurers and haunts night-time strollers.
The beginnings of a mystery – The origins of the House of Heads date back to 1609, when it was built by local architect Albert Schmidt. Originally designed as a magnificent villa for a wealthy merchant, it soon became notorious for its peculiar decoration. The grotesque masks, each uniquely shaped and disturbingly lifelike, aroused the curiosity and unease of the townspeople. While some viewed these masks as purely artistic expressions, others believed they served a sinister purpose – perhaps to ward off evil spirits or channel otherworldly energies.
Midnight Awakening – As dusk falls over Colmar, the masks seem to take on a life of their own. According to legend, these stone faces come to life at midnight, whispering secrets from times long past and revealing prophecies about the future. Some locals claim to have heard these quiet murmurs as they passed by the house – voices speaking in ancient languages and full of mysterious messages that send a shiver down your spine.
One particularly harrowing tale involves Emilie Durand, a historian who visited Colmar in the mid-20th century to study its architectural wonders. Fascinated by the House of Heads, she decided to linger there until midnight. Standing in the moonlight in the shadow of the building, she could have sworn she heard indistinct whispers.
She described feeling an indescribable coldness that penetrated her bones, accompanied by a deep, unshakeable sense of fear. Although she could not decipher the words, this ghostly experience left an indelible impression on her memory, causing her to abandon her research and leave Colmar unexpectedly.
A gathering of spirits – Popular belief has it that the masks are not just random grotesqueries, but representations of spirits bound to the house due to tragic events. One story tells of a cruel event in the 18th century, when a wealthy banker named Jacques Lefevre fell victim to a macabre conspiracy. Driven by greed and betrayal, his friends hatched a plan to murder him and seize his fortune. The conspirators cleverly disguised their plot as a botched robbery, leading to Lefevre’s violent death within the walls of the House of Heads.
According to legend, Jacques’ spirit, seeking revenge, merged with the stone masks and condemned them to eternal life in the moonlight.
Eerie prophecies – While predictions about the future remain dubious, there are disturbing events associated with the House of Heads that raise eyebrows. In 1983, local shopkeeper Pierre Lambert allegedly heard warnings of impending disaster from the masks. At first, he dismissed them as his imagination, but later he was horrified when a devastating fire broke out in his shop, destroying everything he had built. The eerie warnings and tragic outcome turned Pierre into a fervent believer in the legend.
Another frightening tale involves a group of teenagers who challenged each other to spend the night near the house. Equipped with torches and recording devices, they set out to collect paranormal evidence. Although most of their recordings were inaudible, they did contain sporadic whispers that experts found difficult to confirm as authentic.
When the teenagers recounted their experiences, one described feeling an invisible force tugging at his clothes, while another felt an overwhelming sense of fear, as if he were being watched.
The haunted legacy – Despite the horror stories, the House of Heads remains an important cultural landmark in Colmar. Its haunting beauty attracts tourists who enjoy the eerie atmosphere and often take guided tours that focus on the architectural details and spooky legends.
On holidays such as Halloween, residents and visitors alike flock to this location, hoping to catch a glimpse of the supernatural spectacle.
A cultural treasure with dark undertones – The fusion of history, art and horror makes the House of Heads a unique landmark in Colmar. Whether you are a sceptic or a believer, the legend of the midnight whispers adds a mysterious allure to this already fascinating place. As you walk past the house after dark, think of the eerie stories told there – stories that may become your own as the clock strikes twelve.
In the heart of Colmar, where artistic brilliance is intertwined with ghostly fear, the House of Heads stands timelessly, whispering its secrets to those brave enough to listen.
