Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace, and is a very attractive city. This morning buses took us to the centre for a walking tour and a visit to the cathedral. It is very close to the border between Germany and France.
Strasbourg has been alternating between being part of France and part of Germany for centuries. Since WWII it has been part of France and the people speak French. On the way this morning the tour guide said that the front of the bus was in France and the back of the bus was still in Germany!!!
There are a large number of storks nesting on rooftops and tall buildings. They are migratory, nesting here for the summer and then flying to North Africa via the Mediterranean Sea every year.
This evening we were taken on a tour of the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, followed by a fantastic classical concert in the Palace.
Flowers, bridges, canals and buildings right along the waterways encircle the old town of Strasbourg, which is actually an Island.
These houses were constructed of stone for the first floor and then timber for the 3 or 4 floors above to save on property tax many years ago. Tax was only required to be paid on the levels constructed from stone.
The Strasbourg Cathedral is an imposing sight. Constructed on unstable ground, it has been sinking. Concrete has been placed underneath to stabilise the heaviest section of the building which holds up the spire. The statues and stained glass are breathtaking. It is nicknamed "Le Notra Dame de Strasbourg" for obvious reasons.
Inside the Cathedral is awe inspiring, with stained glass windows having been replaced after WW2 when they were stolen.
This very old astronomical clock inside the cathedral is run mechanically, and needs to be wound up manually every Monday before 6 pm. Puppet figures move and make sounds every quarter hour and on the hour.
Many patisseries line the streets around the old town square and Cathedral. The gingerbread shop also looked inviting.
Looks fantastic guys - enjoy! xxx
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