History Of Strasbourg

Strasbourg, whose name means ‘the city of roads’, has had a long history at the centre of European affairs. Due to its excellent location at the crossroads of major waterways and land routes, this city has been prized since the Romans first settled here in 12 BC. Today, Strasbourg’s culture, architecture and traditions still bear witness to the Roman, German, French and Alsatian influences that have shaped its character, making it a truly European city.

Middle Ages growth

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Strasbourg began its rise to economic and political independence as a centre of trade. In 1262, the city broke free from the bishops which ruled over it, thus gaining the status of a free imperial city. During the Middle Ages, Strasbourg continued to grow in importance with the help of the building of a massive bridge over the Rhine River, which connected it to the major trading routes of northern Europe.

The 15th century saw Strasbourg establish itself as a free republic. This attracted reformists, artists and free thinkers seeking refuge in the city and helped the city begin its evolution as a cultural and intellectual haven. The 15th and 16th centuries were the golden years of Strasbourg and established it as the most important city in Europe. In 1439, Gutenberg invented his movable type printing press here. The city became a Protestant stronghold during the Reformation, espousing freedom of thought and the principals of justice. In the years that followed, the University of Strasbourg attracted the likes of Goethe, Napoleon and Pasteur.

French rule

This period of freedom and independence came to an end in 1681, when the city fell to Louis XIV, who made it part of France. The ensuing decades brought strife and cultural upheaval to this city on the Rhine. The French Revolution in 1789 caused the collapse of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic, marking a new period in the city’s history. It was here, in 1792, that Rouget de Lisle composed the French national anthem, the Marseillaise. After the Revolution, Strasbourg suffered from a violent local civil war, known as the Terreur, and was only saved by Napoleon Bonaparte, who reestablished it as a trading stronghold at the crossroads of Europe in 1809.

This prosperity lasted until 1870, when the Germans invaded Strasbourg. The Treaty of Frankfurt, in 1871, granted the Alsace region to Germany. French troops triumphantly returned to the city in 1918 with the end of WWI, but Germany soon regained control of the region during WWII as the Third Reich forced its way through Europe. Finally, in November 1944, Strasbourg was liberated from German occupation by the French general Leclerc and it has remained French to this day.

Beyond WWII

Strasbourg is a true European city. Having survived the strife of the last century, it has redefined itself as one of France’s greatest cities and as a centre of European politics. Strasbourg is home to the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Council of Human Rights. It is also one of the most happening cities in France, with a lively university scene and some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. Small, but amazingly rich and varied, Strasbourg is a must-see for anyone visiting this part of Europe.