Strassburg

Strassburg is the historical German name for Strasbourg, a city in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, located on the Ill River near its confluence with the Rhine. The city has long served as a border crossing and cultural crossroads, reflecting influence from both French and German administrations over the centuries. Today Strasbourg is a major urban center known for its historic core, university, and role in European institutions.

Etymology and usage: Strassburg (Straßburg in modern German) derives from a combination of words meaning “road” or “street” and “fortress” or “town.” The exonym Strassburg appears in older texts and in some German-language and English-language references, while the contemporary French name is Strasbourg and the modern German spelling is Straßburg.

History and heritage: The site has been settled since ancient times and developed into a significant medieval city with regional influence. Strasbourg became part of the Holy Roman Empire and later experienced repeated changes of sovereignty between France and German states, most notably after the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, during the Franco-Prussian War era (1871–1918), and again during World War II before returning to France in 1945. The city hosts the University of Strasbourg (founded 1537) and the famed Strasbourg Cathedral, a landmark example of Gothic architecture with renowned clock mechanisms.

Cultural and architectural significance: The historic center of Strasbourg, the Grande Île, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, together with the nearby Neustadt district, highlighting the city’s urban development under different regimes. Notable sights include the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France district with its canal system, and the European institutions located in the city, such as the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The European Parliament also holds plenary sessions in Strasbourg.