Visit Strasbourg, the Heart of Europe Posted by Alison Mackey in Intelligent Travel on April 29, 2014

Original Article Written by Mélanie Hernandez

A Bit of History The oldest signs of life that have been found in Strasbourg date from the Neolithic period. In 58 B.C., the Romans called it Argentoratum. The town was demolished in 451 by the infamous Attila the Hun, but reestablished itself little by little, becoming a hub of Catholicism and developing its river-based commerce for wood, wine, and wheat.

FRANCE

By the 15th century, Strasbourg is an important European banking center. Gutenberg’s printing press attracts numerous intellectuals to the town, which creates certain disturbances to the established order. The town becomes Protestant in 1532 for an almost 70-year period, before returning to its Catholic origins.

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution ushers in many infrastructural improvements. French officially becomes the sole language of instruction in 1853, though the population continues to speak Alsatian regularly.

Things to See The one monument that you must see during your stay is the exceptional Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral, or Notre Dame de Strasbourg, visited by more than 4 million people each year! To reach the top of its 466 ft., be prepared to climb the 332 stairs. Rediscover your inner child when, at 12:30 PM each day, the automated puppets adorning its clock come to life in a captivating ballet.

During the 20th century, Strasbourg passes many times between German and French hands, to finally end up within French borders following the Second World War.

Like me, you will surely succumb to the charms of the city’s Petite France quarter, situated on the Grande Île (Big Island), a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Along its narrow canals, the city has restored numerous half-timbered houses in the medieval style, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. It feels like walking back in time!

The more contemporary European Quarter is likewise not to be missed. It’s here that one finds the European Parliament, the Palace of Europe, the European Institute, and the European Court of Human Rights. And indeed, as it is not a capital city, Strasbourg is rare in housing international institutions like these. Strasbourg single-handedly symbolizes Franco-German reconciliation; what’s more, its residents often speak both languages.

Christmas Markets

If there is a city to visit at Christmas time, it is certainly Strasbourg! The city maintains the traditions of Christmas with Christmas markets that are colorful, bright, and very merry.

Sample the pretzels, mulled wine and gingerbread. Stroll down the streets lit with thousands of lights… and bundle up tight because here it is anything but hot!

 

This is what sets Strasbourg apart! At once French and German, the city cultivates the blend of these two cultures. For instance, the wide avenues of the imperial

district precisely reflect German rigor and discipline, while Petite France consists of narrower spaces and meandering streets—the picture of French creativity.

“La Marseillaise”…More Like “La Strasbourgeoise”

The French national anthem is called “the Marseillaise” and yet Rouget de Lisle invented it in Strasbourg in 1792. A revolutionary song written to invite soldiers to join the fight for freedom, it carries this name because it was sung loud and clear by troops coming from Marseille and Montpellier who

assembled in Paris for a victory march.