"Strasbourg - the capital of Alsace " a Strasbourg Travel Page by Fam_Stoica

The capital of Bas-Rhin Department (Alsace province), Strasbourg is situated in the eastern part of France, at the confluence of the Bruche and Ill rivers, near the Rhine River (natural border with Germany).
The Ill River divides at Strasbourg and its arms and canals surround the oval-shaped central district which is the old section of the city.
The famous Cathedral of Notre Dame of Strasbourg is situated in the southeastern part of the old quarter.

A brief history (from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia) : Known as Argentoratum to the Romans, Strasbourg has been an episcopal see since the 4th century. The city was destroyed by the Huns in 455, but it was soon rebuilt by the Franks. In 923 Strasbourg became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1262, after a long struggle with the ruling bishops, the citizens gained the status of free imperial city for Strasbourg.
By the time of the Reformation, in the 16th century, Strasbourg was a prosperous community, and its inhabitants accepted Protestantism at an early date (1523). In 1681 Louis XIV of France took possession of the city, and the right of France to Strasbourg was recognized in 1697 by the Peace of Ryswick. The city passed to Germany in 1871 as a result of the Franco-Prussian War , but was returned to France in 1919, following World War I. It was occupied by the Germans and badly damaged in World War II.