Strasbourg has many attractions, thanks to its rich history. Here you can see the ancient churches of the Early Middle Ages in the 12th century, half-timbered houses, many unique museums, beautiful gardens and parks, historical monuments, etc.
This city was divided between France and Germany for several centuries. Today it has become one of the administrative centers of the European Union, as well as an intellectual center. the University of Strasbourg is located here.
Top 14 attractions in Strasbourg
We offer you a brief description of the sights of Strasbourg in France with photos and wish you visit this beautiful city to see its splendor with your own eyes. What is there to see in Strasbourg?
Little France
This is the name of the romantic old quarter of Strasbourg, which today is on the famous UNESCO list as a cultural heritage of mankind. The first mention of Little France is recorded in the 16th century.
In those distant times, simple artisans and their families lived here. Many were engaged in the making of leather, so for decades there was a horrible smell in the neighborhood. Today, Little France is a beautiful part of Strasbourg, adored by tourists.
Kleber Square
This square is located in the historic quarter of the city. It often hosts various events, state and citywide celebrations, ceremonies, national holidays, etc.
The square is named after a famous resident of Strasbourg, General Kleber, who took part in the wars on Napoleon’s side. It is his sculpture that stands in the center of the square. And around there are administrative mansions and excellent restaurants with good food.
Strasbourg Cathedral
This Catholic cathedral began to be built in the 11th century. There used to be a Roman sanctuary in its place. Over the course of hundreds of years, the church has been reconstructed and restored many times, from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles.
Most of all tourists like the astronomical clock installed here in the 14th century. On the clock face you can see the orbits of the planets with the mistakes that medieval astronomers made in the distant past.
Kammerzell House
This is the most famous building in Strasbourg and a must-see. It was built in the early 15th century using the principle of half-timbering. Later it was rebuilt several times until it had an elaborately carved facade.
The facade of the Kammerzel House has 75 windows and many carvings depicting biblical fairy tale characters, the signs of the Zodiac, famous musicians of those distant times, and female images of Faith, Hope and Love.
Gothenberg Square
Opposite the cathedral is another landmark of Strasbourg and the whole of France – Gottenberg Square. This man made the city famous all over the world by inventing typesetting. The principle of printing has not changed since then.
This happened in the mid-15th century, and the first book printed was the Bible. On the square stands a statue of Gothenberg, who is holding a large sheet of paper. If you look closely, you can see that this is one of the pages of the Bible.
Rogan’s Palace
It is one of the most famous historical sites of Strasbourg, an architectural monument of the Baroque. The palace houses Strasbourg’s three museums: the Archaeological Museum (located in the basement), the Decorative Arts Museum, and the Fine Arts Museum.
The palace was built on the site of the archbishop’s residence in the first half of the 18th century at the behest of local Cardinal Rogan. Here stayed King Louis XV of France, Napoleon I and his wife Josephine, and other famous and great people.
Historical Museum
This museum is located in a beautiful 16th-century mansion that was previously a slaughterhouse for several hundred years. Only in the early 20th century by order of the city authorities the building was given for the needs of the museum.
The History Museum has large collections that tell the history of Strasbourg over several centuries. Here you can see the first Gothenberg Bible, ancient books, a collection of medieval weapons, etc.
A performance at the walls of Strasbourg Cathedral
Around the cathedral in Strasbourg every day you can see a variety of shows or performances, there is the changing of the guard, music, actors perform various interludes, etc.
It’s always fun, with lots of tourists and other visitors to Strasbourg. It is a real tourist center of the city, where people come to have fun, sit in local cafes and restaurants to feel the real atmosphere of Strasbourg and France.
Notre Dame Museum
This museum has a large collection of paintings and sculptures of old European masters from the 14th to the second half of the 19th century. The Italian Renaissance is best represented. The museum is located on the first floors of the Rogan Palace.
The first collection of paintings was assembled in Strasbourg as a result of the French Revolution, with many works of art confiscated from churches and monasteries. Then the collection was supplemented by private and public gifts.
The Church of St. John the Baptist. Thomas
It is the largest Lutheran church in Strasbourg, and was once the site of a Christian chapel built in the 6th century. Before the advent of the Protestants, the Church of St. John the Baptist. Thomas was the property of the Catholic community.
In the 16th century, thanks to a local Protestant priest, Büser, the church was taken over by Protestants. Even today it has a rather austere appearance, but the interior is distinguished by luxury in the Baroque style.
Museum of Modern Art
This museum was organized with the money of French patrons in the 1970s. Later the state took an active part in the formation of museum collections. And it officially opened at the very end of the 20th century.
The museum is divided into several sectors with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Here are the main directions of art of the 19-21 centuries. There is a library, a bookstore and a fine restaurant with good food.
Botanical Garden
It is a small but very high quality urban garden, covering an area of 3 hectares. It is home to several thousand plants, including rare and endangered plants listed in the Red Book. There are several separate landscape parks here
The park was organized in the 17th century and given to the local university. It is still popular with university students, and is also loved by citizens and visitors to the city. A beautiful landmark on the outskirts of Strasbourg.
Station
The railway station in Strasbourg is the most famous historical and cultural attraction of the city. It was inaugurated in the 80s of the 19th century, and at the very beginning of the 21st century the station underwent a major restoration.
The station has a large glass dome, and after the restoration also has a glass gallery with a warm floor. The station in Strasbourg is extremely important for all of eastern France, carrying more than 60,000 passengers a day.
The Church of St. John the Baptist. Paul
This Protestant church was designed by architect Müller at the end of the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style and is located in the heart of Strasbourg. Today the church is active. Not only believers come here, but also tourists.
During World War II, the Church of St. John the Baptist was a church of the Holy Trinity. St. Paul was badly damaged by Allied bombing and remained in ruins for a long time. Only at the beginning of the 21st century was it decided to restore it. Today the church is in excellent condition.
