Château Burrus, also known as “Manoir à la Verrière” or “Château Lumière,” is a neo-baroque mansion located in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, France. Constructed in 1900, it served as the family residence of Maurice Burrus, a prominent tobacco industrialist and philanthropist.
Architectural Design
The château was designed by Alsatian architects Jules Berninger and Gustave Krafft, who had studied in Stuttgart and at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Its neo-baroque style is reminiscent of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The mansion features a grand hall adorned with Ionic and Corinthian columns, faux yellow marble, and intricately decorated rooms such as the green room with mirrored walls and a painted ceiling, the opulent red room with faux red marble columns and gilded details, and the wooden room paneled entirely in wood with Renaissance-style furnishings. ​
Historical Significance
During World War II, the château was requisitioned and transformed into a training center for SS officers. After the war, Maurice Burrus resumed residence until his death in 1959. Subsequently, the property changed hands multiple times, including ownership by a religious congregation, before being sold to private individuals. The château was listed as a historical monument in 1993. ​
Period of Abandonment and Restoration
Following years of neglect, Château Burrus became a popular site for urban explorers, drawn to its decaying yet majestic architecture. In 2022, a family purchased the château and initiated extensive renovations to restore it to its former glory. The restoration efforts have revitalized the mansion, preserving its historical and architectural significance. ​
Current Use
Today, Château Burrus serves as a venue for various events, including weddings and seminars. Its rich history and restored elegance provide a unique setting for special occasions.
