At the heart of the Place de l'Ancienne Douane stands the Fontaine Schwendi, more than just a picturesque fountain—it is a sculptural tribute to one of Alsace's most fascinating historical figures: Lazarus von Schwendi, a 16th-century general, diplomat, and winegrower.
The fountain was designed in 1898 by Auguste Bartholdi, the renowned sculptor from Colmar who also created the Statue of Liberty. It honors Schwendi not only as a military commander who fought alongside Emperor Charles V, but also—according to local legend—as the man who introduced the Tokay grape (a variety of Pinot Gris) to Alsace after campaigns in Hungary.
In the bronze statue, Schwendi is depicted heroically, with a sword in one hand and a vine branch in the other—a symbolic gesture that celebrates Alsace's deep winemaking traditions. This branch has fueled the romantic myth that it brought the grape to the region, although historians now debate the veracity of this story. For the locals, however, it remains a proud cultural link between Colmar and its rich winemaking heritage.
Originally, the statue stood opposite the old customs house (l'Ancienne Douane) to emphasize its civic and artisanal history. The entire square, with its half-timbered facades and historic merchant houses, evokes the vibrant life of Colmar during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.