"STRASBOURG - The Beautiful Capital of... " a Strasbourg Travel Page by Ujamaflip

The city of Strasbourg has existed in one form or another for thousands of years. In Roman times its was an important city in Upper Germany, with the name Argentoratum, and became and Episcopal See in the 4th Century. Destroyed in the 5th Century by the Huns, it was rebuilt again as Strateburgum (City of Roadways). Later, in 923, it became part of the Holy Roman Empite, and found itself under the rule of its bishops.

Due to its location Strasbourg enjoyed rich trade and and became a commercial centre in Europe. In 1262 the populace of the city fought against the rule of the bishops for a free imperial city, and in 1332 a corporate government was established in which the guilds played a leading role.

The Old City Centre of Strasbourg is centred around its magestic Notre Dame, on an island formed by the two branches of the River Ill and the River Aar. The half timbered houses typical of Alsace are in no short supply in Strasbourg, and this lends a very characterful and charming appeal to the city centre. The buildings house many appealing restaurants, hotels and cafe's, including the Maison Kammerzell one of the oldest buildings in Strasbourg.

Just to the west of the centre is one of Strasbourg's most picturesque and romantic areas. Featuring narrow lanes by the banks fo the Ill, their half timbered houses hovering over the canal. The area was built up around the five lanes of the River Ill as its water was used to feed mills and for the tanneries which setup in the area. The name "Petite France" was given to the area in the 16th century when the are was setup as a hospital to treat venereal diseases of soldiers returning from the wars in Italy, with the Alsatians blaming France for the proliferation of the disease.

Strasbourg is one of the best locations to sample the regional delicacies. Restaurants serve delicious local dishes such as Choucroute (Sour-Kraut with sausages, or variants with fish), Flammekuchen (thin pizza type dishes), Bibeleskaes (A dish featuring fromage blanc), Baeckaoffe (Pork, Beef and Lamb cooked with wine in a special pot), and local cheeses and pastries. The Strasbourg Markets are the best place to pick up the local fare, with a great selection of delicious food.