Monday, March 12, 2012

Some foreign lands: Strasbourg

Strasbourg, France is an old place of the known Alsace region, which was able to preserve the many old buildings and architectures of history. It is reported to be the place where culturally, "French and German collide". The architecture is distinctly German, even the dishes are German but written in French. The Ill River winds through the city hosting many cruise tours. This is also one of the best areas in France when it comes to delectable cuisine, 

I've been able to walk its major streets a few years back, and joined one of its canal cruises. Day and night scenes are also beautiful and really  gave a lot of contrasts. 


La Petite France Cathedral's courtyard 

La Petite France is said to be Strasbourg's prettiest and most enchanting neighborhood. It is where the city's millers, tanners and fishermen used to live during the Middle Ages. It was named so by its former German inhabitants not for its architecture, but for the prostitutes working there during those times. In Germany, prostitution was known at that time as "the French business". The courtyard now hosts the city's immensely popular Christmas market. 

a small busy street in La Petite France, Strasbourg

the famous Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral is one of Europe's most beautiful example of gothic architecture. The stunning pink sandstone facade is quite unique and breathtaking. The famous circa-1800 astrological clock is inside, where intricate carvings captivate. The cathedral's construction spanned for centuries, from 1015 to 1439. It gets its special pink hue from Vosges sandstone used to build it. The cathedral is also a hub of activity, with shops and restaurants nearby.

the astronomical clock

This is the famous 18-meter high astronomical clock, one of the tallest in the world and a fine example of Swiss artistry that dates from 1843.

picturesque old buildings half made of timber along the canal

one of the closed bridges crossing one of the canals

This is a very old building formerly used as a tannery, now used as a restaurant. 
The marker is on the right side not seen at this angle

an inside alley in Strasbourg commercial area at dusk, they said the
 middle black building is the oldest in this stretch

ornamental peppers on breakfast tables at Holiday Inn, Strasbourg


Our World Tuesday Graphic

42 comments:

  1. Nice shots Andrea! Looks like a beautiful place to visit. I really am fascinated by the closed bridge. It's kinda scary looking....and quiet...would love to see what it looks like inside. And it looks like a place that serves delicious food:) Have a good week:) Kreesh

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    1. Hi Kreesh, I wonder what is in there haven't entered, just viewed it from the boat. But the most interesting in La Petite France is the revolving bridge, which is turned when boats are passing through. Then it is released and the cars on top can in turn pass through the bridge. It is amazing and funny! You should go there, lots of things to experience and see.

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  2. Andrea, the shots are awesome! These are majestic buildings that are enchanting to view. Reminds me of fairy tales, prince, princesses and castles. Is it during the summer time? I do so enjoy your travel trips posts, you know I do :P

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    1. Thank you Autumn Belle, i know what you mean and i certainly appreciate it. I think this is a month after spring, I've posted some photos earlier but i can't locate it anymore from the previous posts, Strasbourg doesn't show up in search. Maybe i should look at the archive 1 by 1. This time i only have my old Sony Point & Shoot and realized my photos are even sharper than the DSLR i have now!

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  3. Beautiful photos, Andrea. It is a delightful place and you've brought back many happy memories of my visit there.

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    1. Nick, actually it is you who inspired me to post these photos here, i've posted the others previously. I wish i had more time there!

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  4. Hi there – what a great looking place. When I lived in Europe all I wanted to do was visit the far corners of the world. Now I live in one of those corners, I realise how much of Europe I missed.

    Stewart M – Australia

    PS: I think you may have me mixed up with another “Stewart” – I’m not involved with Blotanical – but thanks for the visit anyway!

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    1. We are all like that, I am sure my countrymen living in all the corners of the world feel the same with you. In my case, i just want to see everything at the farthest end of the world, but i always want to come and live at home.

      Am sorry about the mistake of identity, i didn't notice the differences in profile photo, haha!

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  5. it's gorgeous part of the world, very historic and atmospheric and a great place for a weekend break. Thanks for sharing your photos :)

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    1. Mark, i suggest you visit that place. If I were like you, with the ease of transport and funds, i will be exploring all parts of Europe including the quaintest areas. How i envy you Mark!

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  6. What a gorgeous tour Andrea. The old buildings are so pretty. I love the Strasbourg Cathedral. All of those details on it. Magnificent!

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  7. Hi Andrea, It has been years and years since I was last in France. My sister once worked in Paris and I had the very great pleasure of visiting her there. The architecture in Strasbourg is quite German looking. Like Lona, I was particularly struck by the beauty of the cathedral. No church could afford to build such a magnificent structure in this day and age.

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    1. Yes Strasbourg is at the border of Germany, so very German culture written in French, haha! You will also find a lot of wonderful structures, both useful and funny, well maintained for centuries. But I haven't been to Paris, just the airport. I saw the Eiffel Tower at only a meter high, from the plane.

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  8. What a wonderful place to visit...I need to travel to these beautiful places more...your tour was fantastic and made one want to visit these fantastic sites...I love history and this is a perfect place for that.

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    1. Yes Donna, they preserve a big part of history, and they are very good in doing that. You should go there now, while the population is still not heavy. I am sure you will like it, trust me!

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  9. This is such a lovely place and you took such wonderful photos of it. The town has so much character.

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    1. Thanks Donna, it feels different if a good photographer will tell somebody her photos are wonderful. Yes it is full of character, and those are just only a glimpse of them. You must take time to visit Strasbourg.

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  10. Hi Andrea, I have never been to France---but have always wanted to go to Europe to see all of the fancy cathedrals. The one you showed is GORGEOUS... Wow---I love it!!!! Thanks for sharing Strasbourg with us... Beautiful city.

    We are home from our 2nd trip is a month--and both of us have colds.. Yuk! Guess it will be REST for this upcoming week for both of us.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Sorry about the colds Betsy and George. I think your body is telling you to keep it slow, so rest well for next week you can go up again.

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  11. I was enthralled with the different styles of architecture I saw during my trip to Europe and impressed with how beautifully maintained many ancient structures were. Although I wasn’t in the town you describe, I saw many gothic influenced designs on churches … but none, I think, as amazing as the Strasbourg Cathedral seems to be with its monumental clock. :)

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  12. Great photos of your trip! I have not been to Europe, and hopefully can visit someday after retirement.

    I belong to different groups, one who leisurely hike and take photos, one who specifically hike, one camping group, street photography, night shots, oh, different genres. We teach and learn from each other, and does not cost a thing.

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    1. If i were there i will maybe do the same thing. Here, it cost something and i wont be able to cope with their equipment updates. Photography is not for the short in funds, so i just join a group whenever i am able, but it is not a camera club, just travel group. The sad thing in this group is they get high cost too, we have to pay the supposed to be "teachers".

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  13. Andrea, these are some wonderful photos of what looks like a fascinating place to visit! I LOVE the cathedral! Really interesting area!

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  14. That place looks beautiful and is just oozing with history.

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  15. What a beautiful place, Andrea! I hope I'll be able to visit some day!

    About your question on my blog. no I didn't like the taste. But I'd like to try out the red (inside) variety. I had to shell out a little more than two hundred rupees for the fruit.

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  16. the cathedral is absolutely stunning! the flowers at the window boxes are beautiful. i enjoyed the photos.

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    1. You should see it too Luna, just very near Heidelberg in Germany, but i wasn't able to see a dream place for lack of time. Moreover, i saw some castles on top of mountains while on the plane, oh how wonderful to see them too. If only i will have another chance.

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  17. Wow! The cathedral is enormous and quite ornate. Looks like a nice old town and would love to explore the grounds.

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  18. Dear Andea, I liked a lot your Strasbourg photos - I visited this beautiful town a couple of years ago, and your pictures brought me back there... thanks for sharing!

    Thanks a lot for visiting my post and leaving a kind comment! I am very proud of this shot of a girl in while shirt - it was pretty tricky to take, and I succeeded mostly by chance... I think I was so fascinated by this young woman, that I just followed her with my eyes - and my camera!

    Greetings from Tel Aviv :)

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  19. Calling by as another Our World Tuesday participant, Strasbourg is a fascinating city.

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  20. I would love to visit there one day!

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  21. Thanks for sharing these views of this beautiful city with us. The cathedral is magnificent, and your photos are excellent.

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  22. Well, Andrea, now I can say you and I have stood on almost the exact spot. I think I have the very same photo as your first of the square in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral! I agree it's a fascinating city!

    [Re your comments on my post: the shape of that grave is common throughout southern China, and locating a grave on a hill provides auspicious feng shui (wind water - harmony). Fire crackers to ward off evil spirits are getting less common since many urban cities have banned them, but you are right, they are still popped for weddings, funerals, births, store openings, new year's, and any other event that needs good luck. :-) I was able to post because I am home in Manila for a ten-day break, going back for consulting work next week. I expect my time for blogging and access to social media will be limited in the months ahead. I miss it, though.]

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  23. Strasbourg was not on my list of places to see, but it is now.

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  24. Bonjour Andrea,
    bien fait! C'est tres interessant votre l'histoire de Strasbourg.

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  25. Fantastic Andrea, Having seen the photos I think Mark and I will be planning a trip before to much longer. The photos look stunning!

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  26. Gorgeous architecture! I especially like the shot on top.

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  27. love the architecture and the cobblestone streets. i could get lost there with my camera. ah memories of trips last so much longer with these images to remind us of them. lucky you.

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  28. · What a beautiful city! I was there just for a pair of hours. What a pity!

    · regards

    CristalRasgado & LaMiradaAusente
    ________________________________
    ·

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  29. I have been to Strasbourg as well. My visit was many, many years ago - sometime in the mid-1970s. I remember city hall. The architecture is very similar to the city hall in Frankfurt, Germany. I remember the buildings made of half timber too. I liked the architecture then; still do. I enjoyed looking at your photographs; thank you for sharing.

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Your comments inspire me to post more, and our conversations make life and gardening more meaningful.

However, Anonymous comments and personal back links give me problems, so i don't publish them. Anonymous + back links = SPAM = DELETE

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