Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Located close to the border with Germany, it is the capital of the Bas-Rhin department.

Strasbourg is the seat of several European institutions, such as the Council of Europe and the Eurocorps, as well as the European Parliament and the European Ombudsman of the European Union.

History

Founded by the Romans in 12 BC, Strasbourg («the town at the crossroads») has always occupied a strategic position in Europe. Situated at a meeting point of the North-South and East-West communication routes, the town has benefited from commerce of all kinds and also encouraged the free movement of ideas. During the 11th century, construction work got underway on the cathedral, a project which would last for two and a half centuries and would see the town emerge as one of the greatest cities in the Rhineland area and in Europe. Strasbourg's history can be appreciated from the sheer diversity of its particularly well preserved architectural heritage.

Heritage

The whole of Strasbourg's town centre, the "Grande Ile" has been listed as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO thanks to the richness of its architectural heritage. It is very rare for an entire town centre to receive this distinction, and in 1988 Strasbourg was the first site in France to receive such an honor.

European Role

Strasbourg is the seat of over twenty international institutions,[52] most famously of the Council of Europe and of the European Parliament, of which it is the official seat. Strasbourg is considered the legislative and democratic capital of the European Union, while Brussels is considered the executive and administrative capital and Luxembourg the judiciary and financial capital.

Must-see" tourist sites

  • The cathedral of Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of Gothic art
  • The Kammerzell house: enjoy a journey back in time
  • The Petite France quarter: "The district on the waters"
  • The Church of Saint-Thomas, an intriguing mystery
  • The European institutions
  • Museums and discovery sites
  • Parks nag gardens