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Strasbourg

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Strasbourg is a large and busy city in northeastern France.

Strasbourg OSM map
Strasbourg OSM map

It sits in the Grand Est region within the historic area of Alsace. The city is right on the border with Germany. The Rhine river forms the eastern edge of the city. Across the water, you can see the German town of Kehl. The historic center of the city is on an island called the Grande Île. This island sits in the middle of the Ill river.

Petite France during golden hour
Petite France during golden hour

This city is a very important place for many people in Europe. It is the official seat of the European Parliament. Because of this, it is one of the four main capitals of the European Union. Many other big groups meet here, like the Council of Europe. The city also hosts the European Court of Human Rights. It is one of the few cities in the world that hosts such big international groups.

The history of Strasbourg goes back a very long time. Long ago, it was a Roman camp called Argentoratum. The name might come from a word for silver. Later, the name changed to Strasbourg. This new name is Germanic and means a town at the crossing of roads. The city has been part of France and Germany at different times in its history. It has seen many wars and big changes over the centuries.

Entrée solennelle de l'empereur Sigismond à Strasbourg en 1414 (3)
Entrée solennelle de l'empereur Sigismond à Strasbourg en 1414 (3)

Strasbourg is a place of many sights and sounds. It is famous for its tall sandstone Gothic Cathedral.

Strasbourg Cathedral Exterior - Diliff
Strasbourg Cathedral Exterior - Diliff

The cathedral has a famous astronomical clock inside. You can also see beautiful black and white timber buildings in the Petite France district.

Absolute Maison des tanneurs 01
Absolute Maison des tanneurs 01

The city is a major hub for travel by road, rail, and river. Its port on the Rhine is the second largest in France. The weather is often hot and sunny in the summer.

Strasbourg PontThéâtre 02
Strasbourg PontThéâtre 02

Winters are usually cool and cloudy.

Today, Strasbourg is a place where many cultures meet. It is a bridge between the cultures of France and Germany. The city has a very large university that is the second largest in France. It is also home to the Strasbourg Grand Mosque, which is the largest Islamic place of worship in the country. People from all over the world come here for meetings and to see the history. It remains a very important center for engineering and making things.

Absolute place Kleber 02
Absolute place Kleber 02
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🖼️ Images & Media (15)
File:Entrée solennelle de l'empereur Sigismond à Strasbourg en 1414 (3).jpg
Entrée solennelle de l'empereur Sigismond...
File:Strasbourg OSM map.png
Strasbourg OSM map.png
File:Strasbourg - Ponts Couverts vus de la terrasse panoramique.jpg
Strasbourg - Ponts Couverts vus de la...
File:Petite France during golden hour.jpg
Petite France during golden hour.jpg
File:Strasbourg Cathedral Exterior - Diliff.jpg
Strasbourg Cathedral Exterior - Diliff.jpg
File:Absolute Maison des tanneurs 01.JPG
Absolute Maison des tanneurs 01.JPG
File:OrgueSaintThomasStrasbourg.jpg
OrgueSaintThomasStrasbourg.jpg
File:Absolute place Kleber 02.jpg
Absolute place Kleber 02.jpg
File:Absolute Pavillon Joséphine 01.jpg
Absolute Pavillon Joséphine 01.jpg
File:Absolute Chateau de Pourtales 01.JPG
Absolute Chateau de Pourtales 01.JPG
File:Paul Hannong Strassburg.jpg
Paul Hannong Strassburg.jpg
File:Absolute Bibliotheque nationale 01.jpg
Absolute Bibliotheque nationale 01.jpg

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