The old part of Strasbourg is dominated by the cathedral, Notre Dame. The old city is basically an island surrounded by the river L’ill. The cathedral dates from the 13th century and like most churches we have visited was built over many years with each part being a different type of architecture.

A few views of the exterior

Note the flying buttresses

It has only one tower. At the time of building it was the highest structure in Europe and the architect thought 2 towers would be too heavy.

Now a few pictures from inside. The rose window is supposed to be the largest in Europe.

Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace area of France. The district has gone back & forty from French to German 6 times over the last couple of hundred years. It is one of the capitals of the European Union and several major European agencies are housed here. The Council of Europe, which has 46 members and predates the EU has it’s headquarters here. The European Court if Human Rights and the Pharmaceutical control agency are both headquartered here. The EU has its monthly meetings here as well.

We explored the island which is a world heritage site. Narrow streets, cafes and the charming La Petite France area. I was surprised at the number of half timber houses – a reminder of England.

Banners in the streets indicated which trades were located there

While waiting to get into the cathedral we were entertained by buskers – breakdancing, bag piper, a stringed instrument, accordion, singers

As the old part is on an island we were able to walk along the water for part of our excursion.

Johannesburg Gutenberg inventor of the printing press

We came across a couple of carousels, a popular thing here

A couple of other things from our walk.

The traditional clothing, each piece a symbol of some status – married, single, wealth etc

Tomorrow Heidelberg and Mannheim