Strasbourg, just as other cities in Europe, is indeed the one which has to look upon, and delve into, altogether. It is the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region, in north-eastern France. This city is well preserved from landmarks and monuments to churches and channels, covering the whole span of It in a frame. As situated in eastern France, close to the German border, it influences both German and French culture which is seen in the development pattern of this city and likewise, its chapters of history can be traced back to its architecture.
Here are places to visit in Strasbourg for the travelling architect:
1. STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL
From 1647, over 227 years, this catholic cathedral has been the world’s tallest and most surviving structure of the middle ages. The perfect example of gothic architecture and some parts of it in Romanesque architecture is made of pink sandstone. Its façade offers an attractive ornamental feature of sculptures on stained glass windows which gives the best light and shadow effect inside it.
2. LE PETITE FRANCE
The most charming district with narrow streets and half-timbered black and white houses of Strasbourg is located at the western end of grandvIlle which is the historic center of the city. Here the River III breaches into channels that cascade to the area which was once home to tanners, millers, and fishermen in the middle ages.
3. BARRAGE VAUBAN
With 13 arches and 120 meters in length, this historic bridge of the 17th century is built of pink Vosges sandstone on River III. The main function of the barrage was for defensive work at the time of the attack. But now it serves to display sculptures and have viewing points of Ponts Couverts and Le Petite from its roof terrace.
4. PONTS COUVERTS
A set of 3 bridges and 4 towers built on River III in the 13th century for defensive work, is now one of the attractive landmarks for tourism in Strasbourg. As the name justifies, ‘covered roof ‘, it was once covered from the wooden roof that served to protect the defenders. The roof was removed in 1784 but the name remained the same. These 3 bridges cross from channels that cascade through Le petite.
5. PALAIS DES ROHAN
A former residence of Prince Bishop and cardinal of the house of Rohan, now a museum which is a major historical, architectural and cultural landmark of the city. This was built in the 18th century next to Strasbourg cathedral. This archeological museum comprises the picture gallery and the Bishop’s rooms.
6. NEUSTADT
The German quarters known for Prussian style building was created by Germans in the 18th century in the Richlands period. In that period, different from other historical places in a city, it served as a new city center with broad boulevards on-grid system, a more hygienic and efficient street plan unlike Le petite.
7. MUSÉE HISTORIQUE DE STRASBOURG
This historical museum is located in the city’s former slaughterhouse which focuses on urban history including a political, economic, social, and cultural trace of the city and people of Strasbourg from centuries of life. This museum is in the Bas Rhin department of France.
8. MUSÉE alsacien
Located in 3 former houses of 1907, this museum is dedicated to the everyday life of Alsatian in the 18th and 19th centuries with a rich collection of artifacts documenting the same. The 3 houses are linked by a network of the staircase and connecting passages. Also, the furniture, homeware, toys, traditional costumes are all displayed in the rooms.
9. EGLISE SAINT-PIERRE LE JEUNE
One of the most important churches featuring historical arts and architectural aspects of the city, Strasbourg. As there are 3 other churches of St. Peter’s Church, this got its name, “Young St. Peters’ ‘
10. PLACE DU MARCHÉ-AUX-COCHONS-DE-LAIT (SUCKLING PIG MARKET PLACE)
One of the most charming and picturesque squares of the city Strasbourg, which took its name from its ancient square, where suckling pigs were once sold.
11. PARC DE L’ORANGERIE
This oldest park from the 19th century is to the south of Palais de I’ Europe. Perfect to foot in, the place is complete with waterfalls, lakes, and pathways. The pavilion in the park is used for exhibition and reception. It also includes a vintage car track, miniature farm, and a zoo for children to hang out.
12. EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Taking, in brief, the city’s past, its different cultures, faiths, and languages, Strasbourg city is home to the European Parliament. This modern cylindrical structure houses 750 seats, debating chamber. It includes three internal streets, of which one has a winter garden.
13. STRASBOURG MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART.
A modern contemporary style building, this is one of the top museums in France, near Le Petite, built on the banks of River III. Comprising works from many great artists and collections of paintings from the 19th and 20th century, displayed in a 10,000 square meters gallery space with high ceilings and big windows.
14. QUARTIER KRUTENAU
This old district with canals and half-timbered homes of Strasbourg is one of the liveliest neighborhoods with trendy restaurants, fashionable shops, and art galleries. One’s boatmen and fishermen lived here. With a friendly village atmosphere, it is a refreshing area for a sightseeing ramble.
15. MAISON KAMMERZELL
One of the gems of Alsatian architecture, this building has a stone-built ground floor and upper floors made of half-timbered. With rich and carved ornamentation and traditional leaded windows, the Kammerzell house in the city, now a hotel.
REFERENCES:
http://www.strassburg.eu/en/la-petite-france
http://www.strassburg.eu/en/covered-bridges-strasbourg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strasbourg_Cathedral
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petite_France,_Strasbourg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_Vauban
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponts_Couverts,_Strasbourg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune_Protestant_Church
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Parliament
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_Rohan,_Strasbourg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neustadt,_Strasbourg
https://www.musees.strasbourg.eu/musee-historique
https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/historical-museum
https://www.britannica.com/place/Strasbourg
