A walk rich in history: the Neustadt district!

The Neustadt district was developed after the annexation of Alsace by the German Empire in 1871. It was an ambitious urban planning project, designed to expand and modernize the city while asserting the power of the empire. Through this expansion, the German authorities sought to demonstrate the grandeur and influence of their power by building imposing, majestic edifices. The Neustadt has come to symbolize an era when architecture, urban development and rigorous planning shaped the face of the city.

Renowned works of architecture

A stroll through the Neustadt reveals buildings that rival each other in splendor and bear witness to this era of modernization. Among them, several remarkable buildings stand with unrivalled majesty:

• The National and University Library: built between 1889 and 1895, this library is a symbol of the erudition and culture that the Germans wished to promote. Its imposing architecture, with a neoclassical façade adorned with columns and sculptures, is one of the most beautiful in the area.
• La Préfecture du Bas-Rhin: Located right next to Place de la République, this building bears witness to the administrative grandeur intended by the German authorities. Its impressive neo-Renaissance style reflects the city’s Germanic influence.
• Théâtre National de Strasbourg: This building, formerly known as the “Nouveau Théâtre”, was inaugurated in 1899. Its neo-baroque architecture is emblematic of the taste of the period, combining monumentality and rich ornamental detail.
• Église Saint-Paul: consecrated in 1897, this neo-Gothic church is one of Strasbourg’s spiritual jewels. Its slender silhouette, with two spires almost 76 meters high, dominates the banks of the Ill, and is one of the district’s must-sees.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

The Neustadt is not only a historical and architectural landmark, it’s also a lively district that has successfully integrated modernity while preserving its unique heritage. In 2017, the entire district was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of “Strasbourg: from the Grande-Île to the Neustadt”. This classification recognizes the exceptional value of this district, which combines Franco-German influences and offers an outstanding example of late 19th-century urban planning.

A historic stroll not to be missed

Staying in our hotel means being just a stone’s throw away from this rich heritage. Each building tells its own story, testifying to the meeting of two cultures, two nations, and a city that has always managed to make the most of its multiple identities.