The city of Strasbourg itself is large, and not all that beautiful. It's always busy, which I figure must be related to being one of the seats of the EU parliament. But, it is absolutely worth it to fight your way into the center, where the fantastically lovely church and old town beckon visitors year round.
I was hoping for the abundance of flowers that Strasbourg puts out in planters and small gardens all over town would be in full bloom. I was too early for most though. A few early blooms were lining the boxing on the many bridges though:
and local trees were in bloom:
Strasbourg itself lies very near the German border in the Alsace region of France. It has, over the centuries, changed hands numerous times and this mixed history shows in the unique confluence of German and French architecture throughout "Petite France" It is the type of town meant for wandering, soaking in the atmosphere and looking in shop windows:
When you start to get tired and want to wind the day down, head towards the centerpiece of town, Notre Dame of Strasbourg. I suggest taking Rue de Merciere, which lets out directly in front of the cathedral. Along the way, stop in La Cure Gourmande Biscuit shop (on your left as you head towards the church). This little shop is as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds. I love to pick up a new tin and a few cookies or candies whenever I am here. The tins are great for storing teas, sugars, baking supplies, etc. and make a nice souvenir (not that the town is lacking in those! This is a tourist mecca).
and then finish off your visit with the breathtaking cathedral. This one is so closely surrounded by other buildings that it is virtually impossible to get a good shot of the full exterior. Here are the photos I was able to take for you though. It is a lovely one:
It is the interior of Notre Dame that really takes my breath away. I have been in many of the world's most famous churches: Paris' Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, London's St Paul's, Rome's St Peter's, Istanbu's Hagia Sofia, . . .
ALL of them are stunning and every last one of them is worthy of a visit if you possibly can. However, if the goal in building a world caliber church is to inspire a sense of spirutuality, a feeling of awe and wonder, of peace and beauty and the thought that such could not be created by Man alone, then surely no other architect has hit that mark nearly so well as Erwin von Steinbach in designing this one. The feeling is only enhanced by the new addition of piping in organ and choral music (at a comfortable level). I asked, and the music was a recording of the cathedral's own organ and choir. Photos cannot capture the beauty, but here are my feeble attempts to share with you:
In the front, to the right side of the altar, is an astrological clock. It is such an unusual occurrence to see such a scientific instrument in an old Gothic church. A really unique feel, and a gorgeous clock:
As you can see, it was a lovely afternoon. I do highly recommend that you drop by Strasbourg for a visit if you ever have the chance.
Happy Monday,
--Hadley
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