Strasbourg
Strasbourg, Grande-île and Neustadt comprise the medieval historic centre of Strasbourg including its Cathedral and its German-built New Town.
The free city of Strasbourg was an important commercial centre in the Middle Ages. Its urban landscape is typical of the Rhineland and shows both French and Germanic influences. The Gothic Cathedral is the center of this city organized around rivers and canals, with an additional network of (post-)medieval streets adorned by timber-framed buildings.
Community Perspective: You’d best spend your time here just wandering around. The German-developed, late 19th century New Town, located across the river from the medieval city, sharply contrasts with the rest of the core zone and divides opinions.
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Claire Bradshaw
We visited Strasbourg today and whilst I enjoyed what we saw very much, I left feeling a little disappointed.
As we travel by motorhome, we parked over the Rhine and the border in Germany and entered the city via tram. The Trio ticket was good value for up to 3 people for 24 hours, for EUR 6.90.
We first explored the Grande Ile, which is undeniably pretty, especially around the Petite-France area. I liked the Vauban Barrage a lot and enjoyed the views of the Ponts Couverts from the terrace on top. From here you get a very good impression of the height and dominance of the Cathedral over the town. It really is astonishingly high, very impressive indeed. Despite it being out of season, the whole area was reasonably busy, certainly not overrun but busy enough to have some atmosphere.
From here we looked around the area near the Cathedral, leaving the church itself for last. This was a mistake however, as during this period the weather changed and high winds meant that the viewing terrace on the Cathedral closed and we missed out on this. Of course we still visited the Cathedral, which is lovely, but somehow just missed the mark for me. Having visited Metz the day before, I found I preferred the Cathedral there. Here the stained glass seemed duller, less light entered the cathedral and thus it felt dark and dismal by comparison. The famed Astronomical Clock was popular but underwhelming.
We then headed to the Neustadt but were thwarted by a strong police presence for an ongoing march by the Gillet Jaune protesters. We had a look around the Republic area which I enjoyed especially in contrast to the narrow streets and timber buildings of the Grande Ile. Sadly however the disappointments kept on coming, as the trams were also stopped due to the protest, meaning our planned journey up to the European Parliament was abandoned. There is apparently a nice walk by the river to reach that area, but with the river in flood and the start of heavy rain to match the wind, we retreated.
As a WHS, Strasbourg is an interesting city to visit, but in terms of my enjoyment today, I suspect I caught the city on a bad day, or it caught me on a bad day, not sure which.
Joel on the Road
My wife and I stayed for a week in Strasbourg in August 2017. It's an extremely beautiful city, not too touristy, much more affordable than other French cities (especially Paris), and there's quite a bit to see.
The area known as Petite-France with its picturesque houses, the lovely canal, the imposing Notre-Dame cathedral and of course the little alleyways running everywhere.
Recently, Strasbourg was extended as well to cover another area, the German-developed Neustadt or New Town, located across the river from the medieval city. It's striking just how different the planning, layout and architecture is over here, representing the development of new European ideas, particularly after the revolutions of 1848.
Check out the link below for my full video review!
Read more from Joel on the Road here.
Caspar Dechmann
I visited Strasbourg a couple of weeks ago during my holidays in the Alsace. As always when I visit a UNESCO site I tried to figure out the exact parts forming the inscription.In Strasbourg that is quite easy: it is the Grande Île surrounded by the two arms of the river Ill . It is supposed to form the old city dating from the 15th to the 18th century. On the map this seems a very elegant and convincing solution. But while the area around the magnificent cathedral and along the southern shore of the island refers well to this description you have two walk just a few blocks north to find a mix from very different periods including buildings on the 19th and 20th century. Among them many modern buildings with no historical connection or asthetic value. Are they also protected by UNESCO and cannot be altered?
On the other hand you find just south across the river of the Grande Île the Krutenau, originally the fishers' quarter dating from the 13 century and one of the nicest areas of the city. Here you find many half timbered buildings, Renaissance palaces and especially the hospital. One of the oldest hospitals in France it forms a whole city block with the hospital gate from the 14th century, the last remaining gate of the old ramparts, the hospital chapel and a huge hospital building from 1725 that replaces an older building destroyed by fire. In its basement you can visit the medieval wine cellar that is still used to support the hospital, a practice also still in use at the hospital of Beaune and a very French way to support a charitable cause!
Just across the river to the north-west off the Grande Île there is another impressive building complex that does not seem to be included: The Commanderie de Saint-Jean, first a monastery and hospital, later in prison and nowadays an elite university.
As nice as the concept seems that the old city is congruent with the Grande Île the reality is different: The old city stretches along the southern shore of the island on both sides of the river while the north of the island is from various periods.
While Strasbourg is a delightful city to visit and walk around the only building of real individual OUV is the Cathedral. If you look for a city that reflect the late medieval or the Renaissance period Colmar and Besançon for example are more homogeneous, splendid representatives of their period.
Assif
This proposed extension should incorporate the historicist architecture of imperial Prussia into the Straßburg WHS. The area is adjacent to the Grande-Ile, but its style is inherently different. The architecture is of monumental scale and aimed at openly demonstrating the contested Prussian rule. Some of the most significant buildings surround the Place de la Republique (formerly Kaiserplatz). The architecture reminded me of what survived from imperial Berlin and is also similar to the monumental square in Munich once proposed as a WHS.
The area can easily be accessed by foot from the historic centre of the Grande-Ile, however, most of the buildings are closed to visitors. An exception are the municipal baths, which I believe are also included.
The extension is justified by showing urban continuity across cultures as well as representing German imperial historicist architecture destroyed elsewhere. I am not sure how convincing these two arguments are. Urban continuity is probably there and the styles are certainly distinct, but on the other hand, this might affect the integrity of the WHS. European historicist architecture might not be represented in Germany, but there are already several such examples on the list from other European countries (Paris, Vienna and Budapest, among others).
Clyde
I have visited this WHS for more than 30 times since I also work there. The highlight of this WHS is surely the tall Cathedral. Every year there is a sound and light show projected on the cathedral facade which is really worthwhile seeing. The Petit France is also a cute part of town. On a sunny day, I would suggest going for a stroll in the Orangerie Park especially in Spring when several White Storks can be seen nesting and roosting.
John booth
As things are a bit spread out in Strasbourg I found a day ticket for the buses and trams invaluable at 3.60 euros. It enabled me to visit the Court of Human Rights, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe buildings in addition to Vauban's barrage and Petite France as well as the cathedal, churches and palaces on the Grand Ile.
Els Slots
The imposing structure of the Strasbourg Cathedral can best be admired from afar. Already kilometers before entering the old town by car, the cathedral’s spire dominates the skyline. What a sight this must have been during the Middle Ages when the area wasn’t as built up as it is now. It has inspired Cologne Cathedral – and indeed they look alike apart from the exterior colour.
This was my second visit to Strasbourg. I had visited it before in 1981 with my parents. I had ‘counted’ that as a WHS visit but always felt a bit bad about this because I had no memories of it at all. Now, over Easter, I stayed in Strasbourg for two nights on a proper visit. I found a town very popular with German tourists. Also, the Asian tour groups know how to find it. There are plenty of restaurants too and it’s all quite touristy.
On Easter morning I started with a walk along the River Ill. There are cheesy boat trips on offer here, like in Amsterdam or Paris. I continued on foot to the bulky St. Thomas Church, dating from 1196. From there a footpath starts into the Petite France neighbourhood. This is the main tourist area with pretty Fachwerk houses and streets named after the guilds.
Then it was on to Palais Rohan. A pretty 18th-century palace that houses three museums. The entrance was free today, and I choose the Museum of Beaux Arts. It has numerous paintings by well-known Italian and North European painters from the 15-18th century. One has to be a real art enthusiast to enjoy this room after room.
Finally, I entered the Cathedral. Mass was going on so I couldn't go around much. What attracts the eye immediately are the huge and pretty organ and the various stained glass windows.
Assif
Strasbourg changed hands several times between France and Germany in the course of history and the architecture reflects these current changes: the medieval half-timbered houses are typically Alsatian but certainly more related to such architecture in Germany (like in central and southern Germany) than in France (like in Rouen). Conversely, the Baroque architecture as in Palais Rohan (which houses three museums) is typically French reminiscent of such buildings in Paris. The Musee d'oeuvre de Notre Dame is a must-see, exhibiting beautiful sculptures from the cathedral as well as other medieval art. Apart from Bains de Cluny in Paris, it is probably the best of its kind in all of France. The building itself is beautiful as well.
Ian Cade
I have to admit perhaps my favourite places to visit are these medium sized European cities, and Strasbourg was definitely well worth a weekend break.
The city centre is on an Island (Grande Isle) and its main assets are two fold, hopefully shown in the photo. Firstly rows of half-timbered houses overlooking cobbled streets/ waterways. Secondly the massive Gothic Cathedral. It was regarded by Goethe as the finest Cathedral in Europe, and its main edifice certainly ranks up there with the best. Inside is a fine astronomical clock, which like every other one I have seen is achingly under whelming to watch in motion on the hour.
The area of Petit France is incredibly picturesque, with the canals being lined with black and white houses, mostly filled with restaurants (some are very good!) now but still a great place to amble around.
We spent most of our time wandering around trying to avoid spending our whole budget in bakeries and sweet shops, there are a lot of them here. Also on a culinary note Strasbourg gets high points in my book for being situated in perhaps my favourite wine region, and I really enjoyed the aromatic white wines on offer. If you do visit try to have at least one glass of Alsatian wine, the main varieties to look out for are Guwurtztraminer (my personal favourite), Muscat and Riesling but there are plenty of others to fit your own palette.
I really enjoyed my weekend in Strasbourg and its continuous development is a great testament to how many European cities have evolved, incorporating many artistic styles and practical uses.
Klaus Freisinger
Strasbourg is mostly famous for politics, being both the seat of the Council of Europe and of the European Parliament, but the city's history and culture are at least as noteworthy. Having changed hands between Germany and France several times, Strasbourg still has a distinctly Germanic flavour, and the island-like Old Town has preserved its medieval core to a remarkable degree. Especially the Cathedral, or Münster, is very impressive. The entire Old Town is full of typical half-timbered buildings and is very pleasant to stroll through, especially since you always end up at the river. The Neustadt, or New Town, is located to the north of the Old Town and is characterized by wide avenues, parks, mansions, 19th-century buildings such as the University, and many diplomatic missions, as it is located between the Old Town and the international quarter, with the seats of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.
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Site Info
- Full Name
- Strasbourg, Grande-île and Neustadt
- Unesco ID
- 495
- Country
- France
- Inscribed
- 1988
- Type
- Cultural
- Criteria
-
1 2 4
- Categories
- Urban landscape - Medieval European
- Link
- By ID
Site History
2017 Extended
To include Neustadt
2017 Name change
From "Strasbourg-Grande Ile" to "Strasbourg: from Grande-île to Neustadt, a European urban scene"
1988 Inscribed
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