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.
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