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1524043 05 / 2017
STRASBOURG - COSMOPOLITAN CAPITAL OF ALSACE Strasbourg is a very special city . Throughout its history , its pivotal position between the spheres of French and German influence made its people fiercely independent , on the one hand , yet open - minded and cosmopolitan , on the other . In a nutshell , they knew how ' to make the best of both worlds . ' The consequences of this complex outlook is symbolized by two buildings . The first is the city ' s frankly amazing Cathedral , which was no less than an effort to trump every other building in Christendom when it was ( almost ) completed in the 15th century . The other is to be found in a suburb of the city , namely the Palais de l ' Europe , which reflects the role of the capital of Alsace in Europe ' s post - war striving for unity . While such monuments may emphasize Strasbourg ' s political and economic importance , visitors will also want to savor its more homely aspects . Because the city is a bastion of Alsatian cuisine and wines that attract culinary connois seurs from all over the world .
three richly sculpted portals . Inside , the original medieval stained glass is superb , as is the pulpit , the carved ' Angel Column ' in the south transept and the famous astronomical clock ( 16 / 19 century ) 2 . Museum of Fine Arts : On the south side of the Cathedral , the for mer museum has some very fine Old Masters ( including a portrait by Raphael ) , while the latter has original sculptures from the Cathedral that have been replaced by copies . 3 . Kammerzell House : Its wonderful wood - carvings make this the finest half - timbered house in Alsace . 4 . Alsatian Museum : This is the right place to find out more about local traditions and the history of Alsace . 5 . Petite France : The former Tanners ' Quarter on the River Ill is a delightful maze of lanes flanked by gorgeous half - timbered houses . 6 . Covered Bridges ( Ponts Couverts ) : These fortifications mark the Western boundary of the Old City . Just beyond , the roof terrace of Vauban ' s 17th - century fortifications provides a classic view toward the Cathedral 7 . Museum of Modern Art : The new building of this museum is an ideal setting for provocative modern exhibitions . 8 . Church of St . Thomas : This is worth a look inside for its stained glass , its Silbermann organ and some very interesting tombs .
STRASBOURG
FRANCE Geographical position : 48° 35 ' N / 07° 45 ' E Av . alt . : 433 feet ( 133 m ) Area of the city : 30 . 2 square - miles ( 78 . 2 km ) Population : 275 . 000 Region : Alsace ( Bas - Rhin ) River : Rhine , Ill Economy : Seat of EU organizations , heavy and service industries , printing , brewing , wine , inland port , administration , trade fairs , higher education , tourism
THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT IN A NUTSHELL From 12 BC to 406 AD , the city of Argentoratum at the confluence of the ill in the Rhine was an important center of administration in Ro man Gaul . The early historian , Gregory of Tours , mentioned the city of ' Strateburgum in about 580 , and the city joined the ' Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation ' in 870 . Strasbourg became an Imperi al Free City in 1201 and joined the Rhenish League in 1381 . The next decades saw the completion of Strasbourg ' s west spire , the tallest structure in Christendom for the next five centuries . In 1570 , the first - ever Christmas tree was raised in front of Strasbourg Cathedral . After centuries of independence , Strasbourg was seized by Louis XIV ' s army in 1681 and became part of France . It was here that , in 1792 , Claude - Joseph Rouget de Lisle composed the ' Marseillaise , the future national anthem of France . Invaded by German troops in 1870 , Alsace and its capital became part of Germany until 1919 . Another interlude of German rule followed during the Second World War in 1940 - 44 . The choice of Strasbourg as an administrative center of the European Union led to the completion of the Palais de l ' Europe in 1972 .
ENJOYING THE LOCAL CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE Serious shoppers will head north - west of the Cathedral to Place Kléber , where department stores and upmarket boutiques beckon . Those who prefer a little aimless window - shopping combined with a drink in a café or wine - bar ( Winstub ) will be better served in the lanes to the north of the Cathedral , where antiques , jewelery , confectionery and more unusual stores make for enjoyable brows ing . Following the Rue Mercière toward Place Gutenberg , there are plenty of cake - shops where one might buy a traditional kugelhopf , a circular , semi - sweet cake , or some fancy chocolates as a souve nir . For a more lasting memento of the area , consider some of the products from Alsace ' s two famous pottery villages , Soufflenheim and Betschdorf . If hunger strikes , you could do worse than trying some escargots ( snails in garlic butter ) followed by coq au Riesling , a chicken casserole cooked in dry white wine . For a satisfying wine experience , consider a vendage tardive ( made with late - harvested grapes ) from villages like Riquewihr , Kaysersberg , Ribeauvillé , Eguisheim and Mittelbergheim .
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MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST 1 . Cathedral of Our Lady : In addition to its soaring spire ( 461 feet : 142 m ) , this wonderful building has many remarkable features . Take time to savor the west façade with its wonderful stonework and